Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian flatly denied Thursday that Tehran wants a nuclear bomb while claiming Iran is willing to submit its nuclear program for international inspection, blaming Washington for the nearly seven-month war in the Middle East and accusing it of blocking diplomacy.Asked point-blank during an exclusive interview on Fox News "Special Report," "Do you want a nuclear bomb or not?" Pezeshkian firmly rejected the premise."Not at all. Not at all. Our martyred, esteemed supreme leader had announced several times that, from a religious decree, it is unholy. It is illegal," he told Bret Baier, referencing religious edicts issued against weapons of mass destruction.Iran 'Already Agreed' To Giving Up Nuclear Weapon Ambitions, Trump RevealsThe Iranian leader's public denial came amid long-term international scrutiny of Irans nuclear program and its enrichment of uranium to levels well beyond those typically used for civilian nuclear power.This became President Donald Trump's central rationale for launching Operation Epic Fury in February.Read On The Fox News AppOn Thursday, however, Pezeshkian indicated Tehran would be open to lowering its enrichment levels and allowing outside verification as part of an effort to ease nuclear tensions."So, that weapon's mass destruction. We said were willing to dilute them. Its not a big deal. We are willing to submit ourselves to verification," he said.Pezeshkian also pointed to the failed memorandum of understanding, or MOU, signed by him and President Donald Trump in June intended to halt hostilities and establish a framework for a broader U.S.-Iran agreement.The process was intended by Washington to lead to an end to Irans nuclear ambitions and included a 60-day process toward that final agreement."We have no problems. We did reach an agreement with your president," Pezeshkian said of Trump, who signed the agreement."That agreement was signed, and, based on that, we are willing and still wish to move forward.Iran Nuclear Deal Hinges On Iaea Access To Long-blocked Atomic Weapon Sites, Experts Say

"And the framework was agreed upon. We had not closed the Strait of Hormuz; it was open without any legal justification or framework," he said."They attacked us. They assassinated and martyred our esteemed supreme leader, our scientists, our military commanders and government."Pezeshkian then criticized Washington for the subsequent breakdown in diplomacy but insisted Tehran remains prepared to reach an agreement."The problem is that America, instead of conducting dialog, they descend into the arena by bombing us first, by blocking every pathway. We are ready," he said."This is not the way to conduct yourself on the world stage. They can have free access to see whatever we have, but not to put us under such pressure, under blockades, deny us access."Pezeshkian also placed broader blame on Washington for the war."We do not seek to kill Americans, as shown by actions, demonstrable actions. America has sought to kill Iranians," Pezeshkian said. "What we know is that if were attacked, we must defend ourselves."Trump Bets Economic Pressure Can Squeeze Iran As Regimes Own Failures Deepen The PainAddressing U.S. military strikes including Operation Outcast and increasing secondary sanctions, Pezeshkian said Iran would continue resisting Washingtons campaign."This is something that has been the doing of the United States," he said. "We will keep resisting. We will find ways, and the life of our country will continue. We will remain."Yes, we do have economic issues, certainly. But in order to remain, we will go through any hardship and endure."If America thinks that they can keep sanctioning us, we have nothing to do, nor do we consider any type of American elections. If the current American government, within international legal frameworks, wishes to reach an agreement, fine. If not, before the elections or after the elections, what difference does it make for us?"Pezeshkian repeated that Iran does not want the war to continue, while blaming Israel for helping provoke the conflict and putting responsibility on Washington to bring it to an end.Trump Gives Every Nation An Easy Choice: Do Business With America Or Terrorist Iran

"We will stand resolutely to defend ourselves. We never sought war. We do not seek war," he said."I deeply believe that humans should not cause the death of another human. But with the instigations conducted by Israel, they have imposed this war on us."But we do not wish to continue. Its America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not."The Iranian president also addressed reports that Iranian forces used Chinese satellite imagery to carry out a deadly strike on a U.S. base in Jordan. The attack resulted in the deaths of three U.S. service members.When questioned about the reports, Pezeshkian denied direct knowledge.Click Here To Download The Fox News App"Im specifically unaware of these purported images that you talk about," Pezeshkian said."Now, what do militaries do with one another between two countries? It is their own business within their own guidelines."
Original article source: Iranian president blames US for Middle East conflict while denying nuclear ambitions, offers to dilute uraniumThis article originally appeared on Fox News at https://www.foxnews.com/world/iranian-president-blames-us-middle-east-conflict-denying-nuclear-ambitions-offers-dilute-uranium Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:25:36 +0000

US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping exchanged warm words at a lavish White House state dinner but gave little indication of progress on pressing issues.Xi stressed that they should ensure AI remain "under human control" and act "as responsible major countries", while Trump toasted a future of "harmony, peace and success" for both nations.But tensions remain despite the diplomatic niceties, including over Taiwan - with Xi urging Trump earlier in the day to take the "correct position" on the self-governing island which Beijing claims, amid a weapons package paused by Trump.Billionaire business leaders and US tech CEOs joined the leaders at the extravagant dinner late on Thursday.Their arrival was marked by protesters shouting from just outside the White House gates, some of whom were arrested.Trump lavished praise on Xi during his first visit to the US in over a decade, telling those attending the dinner that while the two countries had "different systems", they had "never gotten along better".Xi meanwhile welcomed the "historic juncture" in US-China relations - and said both leaders' ambitions could "surely be mutually reinforcing"."China and the United States must act as responsible major countries to meet the expectations of our peoples, keep pace with the trend of our times, and explore a new approach for major countries to get along with each other," he said.While Xi said he and Trump had shared "in-depth exchanges and reached common understanding on many issues", little mention was made of the crucial matters which divide the leaders of the world's two most powerful countries.China believes the US is trying to contain its rise as a superpower, and it wants Washington to stay out of its way - particularly when it comes to trade, technology and Taiwan.Trump has meanwhile been expected to aim for deals around trade and tariffs during the visit like lowering Chinese tariffs on American goods, increasing imports of Chinese rare earth minerals, and increasing exports of US agricultural products.

Trump has been blunt about his ambitions for artificial intelligence (AI) - and clear that he considers China to be the US's main rival for its development.But beyond Xi's reference to AI remaining under "human control", little indication was given of what progress the two leaders may have made on the issue during their talks.The dinner also came just hours after Chinese state media reported Xi had, behind closed doors, advised Washington to handle "with prudence" its approach to Taiwan. Washington is yet to comment publicly on the remarks.The US is legally bound to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, but Trump delayed approving a $14bn (11bn) arms package for it after Xi in May warned that mishandling the issue could cause the two countries to "collide or even enter into conflict".At the time, Trump called it a "very good negotiating chip" with Beijing.

• Xi visit to Washington all pomp but little progress so far
• Trump and Xi come face-to-face as US and China battle to win the AI race
• Xi got Trump's red carpet welcome - but not everything he wanted

The evening marked a continuation of the lavish welcome Xi has so far received in the US.Trump presented the Chinese president with a sculpture of a bald eagle - America's national symbol - saying it embodied "the free and soaring spirit of America". First Lady Melania had participated in its design, Trump added.Others in attendance included key White House figures, such as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, chief of staff Monica Crowley, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.They were joined by scores of US officials, as well as conservative broadcasters, tech industry bosses, social media CEOs and corporate executives. Apple's Tim Cook and Nvidia's Jensen Huang were seated at the same table as Trump and Xi, as was Elon Musk, who previously worked in Trump's administration leading the effort to shrink government.OpenAI's Sam Altman, Google's Sundar Pichai, and Amazon's Jeff Bezos were also present, as were Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Yass, the American billionaire who owns a share of TikTok.

The leaders of companies including General Motors, Visa, Paramount Skydance and ExxonMobil could also be seen in the room."Everybody wanted to be there," Trump said ahead of the event. "I would say you have the entire tech world, the entire banking world, and a lot more."One notable absence was Anthropic - one of the biggest and most valuable AI firms in the world. The BBC has asked Anthropic if it was invited, or if they chose not to be there.

The office of the First Lady Melania Trump, which planned the event, said the dinner menu would showcase "American ingredients with subtle Chinese influence".The first course was yellow squash, wild mushrooms and crispy pancetta. The guests ate off red tablecloths - red being a symbol of luck and good fortune in China.For their main course they dined on a sesame-crusted sea bass, braised bok choy and roasted eggplant.Dessert featured the two leaders and their fellow diners tucking into vanilla crmeux with sour cherry confit, with an accompanying ice cream "made with harvested White House honey".The wine chosen by the first lady included Schramsberg Blanc De Noir - a nod to President Nixon's 1972 "Toast to Peace" with former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, when they used a bottle from the same vineyard.Trump and Xi will begin the final day of their visit on Friday with tea at the White House's Red Room with their wives. The group will then head to the US National Archives for a tour of the building and its exhibits. Formally called the National Archives and Records Administration, the building holds some of the most important documents regarding the founding of the United States - including the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.Xi and his wife will depart Washington later in the day.This article originally appeared on BBC at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cxq63dqp93n1o?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:15:02 +0000

Washington The U.S. Army Reserve is examining whether it can provide the military's Southern Command with police forces, medical personnel and other support units within the next four months, according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News.Though the message makes no reference to Cuba, the request is for continued military planning aimed at Cuba, according to multiple U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News under condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.There is no indication in the document that any units have received deployment orders. But the planning comes as the Trump administration puts intense economic pressure on Cuba and urges the island nation to make political reforms.The message does not identify how many troops would be needed in the Southern Command's region, which covers Central and South America, including the Caribbean. It also does not specify where the forces could be sent or what operation they would support. The document reviewed by CBS News says Army Reserve headquarters is seeking feedback from subordinate commands on the possible availability of six types of formations that would fall under the authority of U.S. Southern Command. The units would "possibly [be] needed in 90-120 days," according to the message, which directs commands to provide feedback to Army Reserve headquarters by Sept. 25. Among the units is a combat sustainment support battalion that specializes in coordinating logistics such as transportation, maintenance, fuel and supply needs, along with an engineer battalion. The document also seeks an expeditionary sustainment command that would oversee logistics across a theater of operations. The document generated last week also calls for a medical brigade to command and coordinate medical units, as well as a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment to provide emergency surgery and trauma care closer to U.S. forces. Finally, the document seeks a military police brigade these units typically oversee military police forces responsible for security, detention and other law enforcement missions. Contacted by CBS News, the Army Reserve did not respond before publication. A spokesperson for U.S. Southern Command said: "Due to operational security concerns, we do not disclose details or comment on U.S. operational movements or potential deployment timelines associated with current or future operations, contingencies, or planning. However, U.S. Southern Command continuously coordinates with the Joint Force to assess a range of potential requirements across its [area of responsibility] in support of assigned missions." Earlier this year, American forces conducted reconnaissance operations on the seafloor and maritime approaches surrounding the Cuban island, multiple U.S. military personnel told CBS News. Separately, U.S. airpower components were placed on heightened readiness and directed to pre-stage personnel for potential deployment. Those plans, however, did not come to fruition. CBS News is withholding certain details from publication that could potentially put U.S. service members at risk.CBS News reported in May that U.S. intelligence officials were assessing how Cuba would respond to possible U.S. military action, as the Trump administration accused Havana of strengthening ties with Russia, China and Iran. The intelligence community's 2026 annual threat assessment largely portrays Cuba as an enabling environment for larger geopolitical competitors, rather than as an independent strategic threat.In July, CBS News reported that American military planners had examined a range of options for possible action against the island, including an Army-led air assault involving thousands of U.S. soldiers to be carried out by the 101st Airborne Division, the only unit trained for such a task. U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News stressed in July that the briefings were not an indication that the president or the Pentagon had decided to go forward with an operation.Since reentering office, President Trump has asserted a more muscular U.S. role in the Western Hemisphere under what officials have dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine," a Trump-era corollary to the Monroe Doctrine focused on limiting foreign adversaries and other perceived threats in the region. In April, American and Ecuadorian troops launched a joint mission aimed at dismantling a suspected criminal hub operated by a narco-terrorist organization. On Thursday, U.S. troops and agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration assisted Ecuadorian authorities in arresting more than 30 members affiliated with Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Since September, the U.S. military has killed more than 230 people in 70 strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. The operations are a stark contrast from the U.S. military's historical role of maritime drug interdiction and arrest. Some legal experts have said the strikes amount to illegal extrajudicial killings because U.S. forces are prohibited from intentionally targeting civilians or individuals suspected of criminal activity, unless they meet the legal standard governing the use of military force. For Cuba, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Cuban entities and officials, including military research and development enterprises tied to the country's nickel industry ahead of the U.N. General Assembly this week. In New York, Mr. Trump told the U.N. General Assembly that his administration was seeking a "fundamental change" on the island and predicted Cuba's communist government "will fall" and declared that "freedom will be coming to Cuba." The Cuban delegation walked out during his remarks. Mr. Trump also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was "deep into negotiations" with Havana and vowed that the United States would not allow foreign adversaries to establish a strengthening foothold "on our own doorstep." Those remarks follow months of increasingly explicit statements from Mr. Trump about Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Daz-Canel has vowed to counter any U.S. attack, and has accused the U.S. of "aggression" and "economic warfare" by blocking oil imports to Cuba.Earlier this year, Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he believed he would have "the honor of taking Cuba." "Taking Cuba in some form, yeah," he said in mid-March. "Taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it I think I could do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth." Later that month, Mr. Trump said bluntly: "Cuba's going to be next." This article originally appeared on CBS News at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-groundwork-potential-action-cuba-trump/ Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:00:05 +0000

By Timour Azhari and Hatem Maher RIYADH/CAIRO, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani military chiefs are to discuss help for Saudi Arabia as it faces attacks by Yemen's Houthis, while Iraq further curtailed Iranian flights on Friday in line with US pressure, and an Iranian official threatened retaliation. The Houthis have launched strikes on the Saudi-backed government in Yemen and repeatedly fired into Saudi Arabia, disrupting oil flows from the world's largest energy exporter, as part of a wider Middle East war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The military escalation continued this week despite a push during the UN General Assembly in New York to revive diplomacy to end the conflict, which quickly spread to Lebanon and the Gulf in March before escalating in Yemen in recent weeks. With talks stalled and during a lull in direct fire by the US and Iran, Washington had shifted tactics to extend the reach of its financial sanctions by targeting companies from third countries that do business with Iranian firms through "secondary sanctions". Iranian airlines were barred fromneighbouring countries including the United Arab Emirates and Oman on Thursday in response to new US sanctions, the first big impact of the shift. On Friday, the three other Iraqi airports that operate flights to and from Iran joined Baghdad airport in suspending them, sources and state media said. A flight ban, if sustained, could deepen Iran's isolation and worsen an economic crisis in the country, which is already facing a US blockade of its seaports. Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, accused regional countries of "alignment with America" for blocking flights. "If Iran does not have the possibility to fly and receive airport services, then no country in the region will have this possibility either," he said in a social media post. OIL EXPORTS SQUEEZED The war, which US President Donald Trump launched alongside Israel, has killed thousands of people and disrupted global trade and energy supplies, adding to inflationary pressures. While the fighting between the US and Iran has been stop-start, Iranian allies have mobilised, with Hezbollah confronting Israel in Lebanon and the Houthis advancing in Yemen, prompting a new humanitarian crisis. Iran and its allies have significantly squeezed oil exports from Saudi Arabia, a US ally.The Houthis have disrupted ship traffic at the mouth of the Red Sea while Iran has effectively limited tanker traffic at the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for 20% of the world's oil exports before the war. On Thursday, the Houthis said they had fired dozens of missiles and drones at Saudi targets, while authorities in Saudi Arabia said they hadintercepted six ballistic missiles fired by Houthi fighters. Later, Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, the kingdom's top religious authority,called on soldiers to be ready to lay down their lives to fight theHouthis until the group is ousted from power. Amid the fighting, the Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish foreign ministersmet within the framework of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August. They condemned attacks targeting Mecca and other civilian sites, while affirming Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself. "The ministers also discussed arrangements for holding an urgent meeting of the chiefs of staff of the three countries to discuss ways to support Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which stipulates that an attack against any one of the parties constitutes an attack against all parties," a Saudi statement said. Turkey's defence ministry said Chief of General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu would travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday to meet his Saudi and Pakistani counterparts. Ankara has previously said itcould help meet Riyadh's military needs, especially on technical issues, butofficials have said any support at this stage would be largely bilateral and in the spirit of their alliance, since the joint defence agreement has not yet been ratified by Turkey's parliament. SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY IN NEW YORK In New York, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told reporters on Thursday that Tehran had conveyed a proposal to the US via intermediaries under which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened if Tehrans conditions were met. Under Irans proposal, hostilities would end on all fronts, including Lebanon, within seven days. The US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports, release Irans frozen funds and waive its oil sanctions, he said. "The Strait of Hormuz will be reopened on the last day,"Araqchi said, adding that talks with the US on other issues, including Irans nuclear issue, would then start. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesdaythat Tehran was reviewing Washington's response to its peace proposals. Oil prices fell on Friday as markets weighed the possibility of a truce, despite the number of ships recorded transiting the Strait of Hormuz dropping to nine on Thursday, half the 10-day average. (Reporting by Timour Azhari in Riyadh, Hatem Maher in Cairo, Kanishka Singh in Washington, Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Writing by Daniel Trotta and Aidan Lewis; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Stephen Coates, and) This article originally appeared on Reuters at https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/allies-unite-behind-saudi-arabia-015411569.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:08:22 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) A tech-heavy guest list, the fashion choices of those on it, who sat where and what was on the menu marked the softer often and glitzier details of diplomacy as Donald Trump threw a Thursday night state dinner honoring Chinas leader Xi Jinping. The event featured a cavalcade of billionaires, Washington powerbrokers, business leaders and the type of festivities that most excite Trump, who has a reputation for reveling in hosting parties. President Xi and I both understand we represent different systems, but the ties between our people endure, and weve never gotten along better, Trump said during his toast, adding that together, we can continue to build a relationship that promotes prosperity and security for future generations. Trump has done his best to impress Xi during China's leader's during Xi's three-day visit to Washington, and praised their close personal relationship even as he has decried top Democratic candidates as communists ahead of the November midterm elections. Xi and Trump discussed tensions over Taiwan, trade and artificial intelligence during business hours even as an ongoing First Amendment fight over press access at the White House has unfolded. But Trump publicly chose to focus on showing Xi his White House updates on Thursday afternoon, including letting him tour his Marine One presidential helicopter and a new helipad he built for it before attention quickly turned to the flashy details of the swanky meal. Xi noted in his own toast that President Trump has pledged to make America great again and that China is committed to achieving great national rejuvenation. These two goals are both ambitious and can surely be mutually reinforcing, Xi said. Trump wore a tuxedo, and her office said first lady Melania Trump opted for a tuxedo-style outfit: a white Saint Laurent cotton poplin blouse, a black silk cummerbund and black brocade pants both from Dolce & Gabbana with a peony motif. Xi chose a black suit and his wife, Peng Liyuan, wore a red gown. The East Room, where the dinner was held, featured low lighting and place settings with elegant red and gold decor. Those in attendance included OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who signed autographs upon arriving at the White House. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang opted for a tuxedo over his trademark black leather jacket. Bernard Arnault, the CEO of French luxury goods company LVMH, walked through black security fencing to enter the event.

Trump says he can't help but talk up the ballroom being built

The president toasted his strong relationship with Xi and the bond between the U.S. and China, but then added, If I could go off script just for a second, I just want to say I had to do it, as those assembled laughed. Id like to invite everyone in the room to visit through that beautiful curtain in the back, Trump said, referring to the construction site of his White House ballroom on the South Lawn, which he said, you've heard so much about. Trump said the project was a year from completion, and said he thought attendees will see something that I think you will really love. The president said that after the dinner attendees could go see the worksite and be the first people to step foot on it. Well do that. Maybe after weve finished with the entertainment tonight, Trump said, asking, Anybody wants to walk into a construction site thats nice and sparkling, its our honor to have you do so. Trump has called the ballroom hes building the Great Hall of the United States, and suggested it could rival the Great Hall of the People, where he dined during a state visit to Beijing in May. The president also presented Xi with an eagle statue that he said was designed in personal collaboration with Melania and myself. Xi did not present Trump a public gift in return during the dinner.

Guests dined on squash and sea bass

The first lady helped craft the evening's menu, which was served on the red china from Ronald Reagans presidency. It featured a first course of yellow squash velout with wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, crispy pancetta and drizzled scallion oil. After that, guests got sesame-crusted sea bass with braised baby bok choy, roasted garden eggplant and a sauce verte. Dessert was vanilla crmeux with sour cherry confit and walnut frangipane, as well as ice cream with honey from the White House.

Trump has sought to one-up Xi after Beijing

The dinner came after the president took the unusual step of personally greeting Xi and his wife on Wednesday as they arrived at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington. Normally, presidents wait for their state visit guests to arrive at the White House itself before offering a formal welcome. Thursday's dinner was packed with technology industry titans like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI President and co-founder Greg Brockman, and Dell Technologies chairman and CEO Michael Dell. During his own visit to Beijing in May, Xi hosted Trump for a state dinner that unfolded beneath grand chandeliers in the Great Hall of the People. That event also included many tech luminaries, such as Tim Cook, formerly Apple's CEO, and Musk. It was all a stark departure from 2015, when then-President Barack Obama was preparing to host Xi for a state visit and Trump in the midst of his first presidential run criticized all the hubbub. Just take them to McDonalds and go back to the negotiating table, Trump said then, during a rally in South Carolina. He later conceded on Fox News Channel that Xi might at least be worthy of getting probably a double-size Big Mac.This article originally appeared on Associated Press at https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/trumps-state-dinner-xi-feature-203656437.html Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:36:56 +0000