Just days before new nuclear talks, the United States has hit Iran with fresh sanctions. The State Department has named seven companies based in Iran, Turkey, and the UAE. These firms are accused of helping Iran export oil and petrochemicals. Two vessels tied to these deals are also facing sanctions.
This move is part of a wider effort to keep pressure on Iran. The goal is to cut off funding for Tehran’s nuclear program and stop oil sales that bring in billions.
Nuclear Talks to Resume in Rome
Iran and the United States will meet again this Saturday in Rome. Earlier talks led to no deal, but both sides are trying again. On Friday, Iran is also set to meet with three European countries—France, Germany, and the UK. These countries helped craft the original 2015 nuclear agreement.
That deal gave Iran relief from global sanctions in return for limits on its nuclear activity. But in 2018, President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the deal. Since then, Iran has slowly stepped away from its promises. Western leaders fear Iran is working to build nuclear weapons. Iran says its program is peaceful.
France has warned that if the talks fail, old UN sanctions could come back. These would hit Iran’s economy even harder.
Trump Celebrates 100 Days of Second Term with Bold Claims
At a large rally in Michigan, President Trump marked 100 days of his second term. He called it the “most successful” presidency in US history. Trump said he will push for big tax cuts. These would end taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security contributions.
Many experts worry that such cuts will grow the already huge federal deficit. The U.S. deficit is now over $36 trillion. But Trump insists his trade and tax changes are helping the economy. He says they bring in new factories and jobs.
Attacks on Political Rivals and Institutions
During the rally, Trump also attacked his political foes. He called Democrats “crazy” and “corrupt.” He said judges are blocking his plans. Trump also said polling numbers against him are fake. In a lighter moment, he joked about becoming the next Pope but said he was not serious.
Removal of Biden-Era Appointees
Trump has also removed key people from top roles. Doug Emhoff, the husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, was taken off the board of the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Emhoff said the move was political and wrong.
Other Biden-era officials, such as Susan Rice and Ron Klain, were also removed from cultural and advisory posts. Trump named himself as the chair of the Kennedy Center. He promised to remove “woke” content, including drag performances.
China’s Economy Feels the Heat from Trade War
Tensions between the US and China are also rising. Reports show that China’s factories are slowing down. Demand is down, and fewer orders are coming in. Trump claims new trade talks are happening, but China has denied this.
Instead, China released a new propaganda video called Never Kneel. It shows Chinese power and mocks Western struggles. The US has not responded to the video yet.
Trump Congratulates Canada’s New Leader
In a surprise move, Trump reached out to Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney. He called to say congratulations and said he respected Canada’s independence. This marks a shift from past remarks when Trump had joked about annexing Canada.
Carney had spoken out against Trump’s policies during his campaign. Now, both leaders plan to meet soon and talk about shared goals.
Terror Label May Hit Haitian Gangs
The Trump administration may soon label Haiti’s criminal groups as foreign terrorist groups. This would allow stronger actions against them. Congress has already been told about the plan. Haiti is struggling with gang violence that has led to hundreds of deaths and forced many people to flee.
US Backs Israel’s Blockade at World Court
In The Hague, the US defended Israel’s actions in Gaza. Israel has blocked aid from entering the area. The US said this is needed to stop weapons from reaching Hamas.
Israel did not attend the hearing but sent a written statement. The International Court of Justice is hearing the case. Its ruling won’t be binding, but it could raise pressure on Israel.
A Week of High Stakes and Rising Tensions
From Iran to Haiti, the US is playing a high-stakes game. Sanctions, diplomacy, and political moves are all unfolding at once. President Trump’s bold plans and global tensions are shaping what could be a turning point in both domestic and world affairs.