Is a breakthrough imminent? Iran calls Trump ‘unreliable’ as US president claims uranium deal is done with announcements due April 18-19

Something strange is happening... While Iran makes it clear that it does not trust the American President—officially announcing that he is unreliable in negotiations and alleging he suffers from a degenerative brain condition—Trump has released a barrage of comments and statements. He reveals: "Iran is a strong country; they have agreed to hand over their uranium to us. We will have a deal on April 18 or 19... if it is finally achieved, I will personally go to Islamabad, Pakistan."

With emphasis, however, Trump recognized the military power of Iran: "They are strong, hardworking, and smart." Nonetheless, while Trump claims at one moment that he has a deal with Iran, the next moment he contradicts his own assertions.

Trump recognizes Iran's military power and reveals uranium deal, announcements April 18 or 19

The American President Trump has announced once again that the end of the war with Iran is very near. "Iran is a powerful and smart country and has hard-working warriors," he stated. "The process of handling the war in Iran is moving well, and the US military is the strongest military in the world. The war in Iran is progressing quite smoothly, and we have the ability to do anything there. The war in Iran will end soon, and the military performance of our forces has been ideal."

Subsequently, in an attempt to justify the invasion of Iran and responding to massive criticism, he claimed that he had to attack Iran because he could not allow it to acquire nuclear weapons. "I didn't want us to go to war, but it was inevitable to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons." Trump also made a strange bluff, saying: "One of our warships was attacked by 111 missiles, and it intercepted and destroyed them all successfully." (Trump's statements come at a time when many American circles are speaking of him suffering from dementia and the fact that he has no control over his speech these days.)

Trump, who has repeatedly spoken of a decisive victory against Iran and claimed to have finished them off, made contradictory statements, saying: "Victory in Iran is very close, and our military operation did not last more than two months." He also claimed progress in talks between Iran and the US, announcing that the next round of talks will likely take place immediately: "There will probably be more talks with Iran this weekend, April 18-19, 2026." Indeed, Trump stated that if a deal is reached on those dates, he will personally travel to Islamabad, Pakistan.

There is a deal with Iran regarding uranium

Iran has agreed to transfer enriched uranium from sites hit in June 2025 to the United States, US President Trump announced. According to him, as reported by the White House press service, the materials are deep underground following the attacks. The American leader also stated that certain agreements have been reached with Iran, noting that positive changes in the situation are possible in the near future.

The US wants the enriched uranium

The US wants Iran to hand over its accumulated stockpiles of enriched uranium and stop accumulating them. This is one of the key goals of Washington's current campaign, and the US will do everything to achieve it.

Trump (US President): The conflict with Iran will not be resolved... perhaps never... they spoke of $300 oil and it is at $90

The American President Trump admitted that the conflict with Iran might not be resolved. He expressed this view on April 16 during a speech in Las Vegas, Nevada. Speaking about the rise in energy prices caused by the war against Iran, Trump recalled predictions of oil prices rising to $250-$300 per barrel. "And today it is $89-$90. And this is happening during a war. We haven't resolved it yet. We might never do so," Trump said. Earlier in the same speech, the American leader had expressed the view that the conflict was progressing without complications and should end quite soon.

Politico: Trump will proceed with new compromises with Iran

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, may proceed with new compromises regarding Iran as he desires an end to the conflict, reports Politico, citing a high-ranking official from the Persian Gulf region. "I think he will move to new compromises... He is serious about the negotiations and wants this to end very much, but the Iranians so far refuse to give what is needed for him to maintain his prestige and exit the conflict," the source claims.

Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf (Iran): The US is not reliable in negotiations, they are desperate to end the war

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, stated that repeated violations of commitments by the United States and Israel remain the main obstacle to establishing lasting peace. He confirmed the Islamic Republic's determination to remain united with the Axis of Resistance until full victory. In a meeting with the head of the Pakistani army, Qalibaf reiterated that developing comprehensive relations with neighboring countries is a firm policy.

"I hope that those who started the war and are now desperately seeking to stop it will truly end their past trust-breaking behaviors through their actions," he added. Underlining Iran's determination to achieve full peace and security, Qalibaf noted that "the other side always obstructs the results of these efforts by violating its commitment."

Pete Hegseth (Secretary of Defense): The US has launched a new operation against Iran, "Economic Fury"

The US Treasury Department has launched another operation against Iran, named "Economic Fury." Its goal is to exert maximum pressure on Iran to force a "courageous choice," stated the US Secretary of Defense. "The Secretary of the Treasury and our friends at the Treasury Department are launching Operation Economic Fury, increasing economic pressure to the maximum," stated Pete Hegseth. He said the American military had already moved "from major combat operations to a world-class blockade" and had the ability to do so again very quickly.

Significant development – From April 17, the Houthi-linked "Warriors Without Borders" close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

From noon on April 17, anyone planning to cross the Bab-el-Mandeb must be more careful than ever. A commander of the "Warriors Without Borders" resistance, associated with the Houthis, issued an unprecedented warning to all commercial and military vessels passing through the strait. "We say with good will that whoever plans to cross Bab-el-Mandeb should be incredibly careful."

Iran welcomes the ceasefire in Lebanon

Iran welcomes the ceasefire in Lebanon, stated a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry. According to the Tasnim news agency, the spokesperson reiterated that Lebanon is part of the truce negotiated by Iran and the United States. However, the US insists that Lebanon is not included in the deal, with Vice President JD Vance calling it a "misunderstanding." "Iran has emphasized from the beginning the need for a simultaneous ceasefire across the region," the spokesperson stated.

Lebanon National News Agency: Israel shelled Lebanese settlements after the start of the ceasefire

Israeli artillery opened heavy fire against two towns in southern Lebanon half an hour after the ceasefire came into effect. The National News Agency (NNA) reports that Israeli military artillery continues to shell the settlements of Khyyam and Debin. On Thursday, April 16, President Trump announced he had spoken with the Lebanese leader and Prime Minister Netanyahu, agreeing to a truce.

Since March 16, Israel has been conducting a ground operation in southern Lebanon. Following the announcement of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Hezbollah suspended operations against Israel but resumed them after massive attacks in Lebanon.

"I’ve dreamed of this for 40 years" - How the US disappointed its main ally

The world's attention is on the US-Iran talks, but many overlook another party: Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has his own vision. "I found someone who agreed," he reportedly thought. Until recently, discussions about Israel's extraordinary influence in the US were considered the domain of conspiracy theorists. But Operation Epic Fury changed the situation.

It is no longer a taboo subject... how Israel influences the US

Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned and sent a letter to Trump, claiming the war with Iran was started by the Israeli lobby. He alleged that officials and media linked to Israel had launched a disinformation campaign that convinced the US president to initiate military action. Netanyahu has also been sharply criticized by Democrats like Bernie Sanders, who called him an "extremist who tries to drag American presidents into war with Iran."

Trump has another view

Trump himself explains the situation: "We are completely independent of the Middle East now, but we are there to help. We don't need their oil." However, he previously admitted that the goals of Israel and the United States might differ somewhat.

A historic opportunity... "I dreamed of this for 40 years"

Benjamin Netanyahu saw a historic opportunity. "The combination of forces allows us to do what I dreamed of for 40 years: to crush the terrorist regime," he stated in an address to the nation. While Trump hoped the Iranian people would overthrow the government, Washington's priority was ending nuclear programs, whereas Israel bet on eliminating the Ayatollah's regime itself.

The US National Intelligence Agency... told truths

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard spoke of this in Congressional hearings. "The president's goals differ from those of the Israeli government. We see from their operations they focus on eliminating the Iranian leadership," she noted, clarifying that Trump seeks to destroy military capabilities. However, the campaign clearly did not go according to Netanyahu's plan. Iran proved its ability to penetrate Israeli air defenses.

Israeli air defense exhausted...

The number of launches dropped dramatically: from 400 interceptor missiles a day to about 30. Israeli air defense was clearly exhausted. Other Washington partners faced similar problems: by late March, the UAE and Kuwait had used up to 75% of their Patriot missile stocks, according to JINSA estimates.

12,845 homes destroyed in Israel

Material damage is still being calculated. By mid-March, the Israeli government had received 12,845 claims from citizens for compensation regarding buildings and vehicles. The belief in the invincibility of Israeli air defenses has once again been shattered.

Negotiation process

The United States is currently seeking an acceptable exit from the war. Following Trump's threats to "destroy Iran's civilization," the two sides declared a ceasefire and held talks in Islamabad. While no final deal was reached, they intend to continue diplomatic efforts.

Israel lost its historic opportunity

Israel is not participating. It seems Netanyahu lost his "historic opportunity." The Financial Times reports that a poll showed 63% of Israelis are dissatisfied with the results of the escalation. This could cost the Prime Minister his position in the October 2026 elections.

Room for maneuver

Nevertheless, the Israeli Prime Minister still has influence, mainly on the second front: Lebanon. One of the conditions for the ceasefire between the US and Iran, the Pakistani Prime Minister claimed, was a full ceasefire including Lebanon. However, the US Vice President clarified there was a misunderstanding. Even during the truce, the IDF launched attacks in Lebanon, killing 303 people.

Lebanon in three zones

According to reports, Lebanon was asked to divide the country into three zones. Eight kilometers from the border will remain under IDF control. Israeli operations would continue up to the Litani River. For the Israeli Prime Minister, disarming Hezbollah might be the only positive outcome of this war. However, achieving this is extremely difficult. The United States now finds itself where its ally forces it to continue a conflict with no favorable results for Americans...

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