A punishment for those US allies who failed to contribute to the war against Iran, and especially for Spain, the most fervent opponent of Operation "Epic Fury." While US mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner fly to Pakistan for talks with Iran, Donald Trump and his men are preparing for revenge, at least according to an internal Pentagon email suggesting Madrid's suspension from NATO. Furthermore, among the possibilities is a revision of the American position on the Falkland Islands, withdrawing US support for London in favor of the claims of Argentina, led by Javier Milei, a loyal friend of the tycoon. This threat against Madrid is legally void (the founding treaty of the Atlantic Alliance, signed in Washington in 1949, contains no procedure for expelling a member), but it reignites tensions between the United States and Europe. With Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer immediately expressing their outrage.
Live broadcast on Saturday, April 25, 2026
Macron: "Priority to negotiations on Iran and reopening Hormuz."
"We are encouraging the parties involved to finalize negotiations, stabilize the situation, and reopen Hormuz. Our work is to ensure that in the coming days and weeks, a full reopening of the Strait can be achieved, in accordance with international law and freedom of navigation ." This was stated by French President Emmanuel Macron at a press conference in Athens. Asked about comments by TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné, who predicted a "phase of energy shortage" in France if the crisis were to last another "two or three months," the French president assured that the war in the Middle East does not currently "foresee any shortage" of fuel, warning against scenarios that risk triggering "panic behavior."
Media: "From Araghchi to Munir, Iran's 'exhaustive' response to the proposals"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Tehran's response to the proposals during a meeting with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir. The response was described as "comprehensive" and reflecting all of Iran's considerations, Iran International reported, citing Iranian state media. Jordanian media outlet Roya News, citing Iranian state television, also reported that Araghchi delivered Tehran's official response to General Munir's proposals.
Tehran: "Araghchi will not meet his American counterpart in Islamabad."
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will not hold any meetings with US officials in Islamabad, and Iran's remarks will be communicated to Pakistan, said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei. Baqaei wrote on his official Twitter account: "No meeting between Iran and the United States is planned. Iran's remarks will be communicated to Pakistan." Axios reports that a meeting between US mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Araghchi could take place in Islamabad on Monday, after the two US envoys hold separate bilateral talks with Pakistani mediators.
Axios: "A possible US-Iran meeting in Islamabad on Monday."
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi could take place Monday in Islamabad, after the two US envoys hold separate bilateral talks with Pakistani mediators. Axios reports, citing two sources. A Pakistani official told the site that the meeting with Araghchi will focus on reviving negotiations with the Trump administration. "A trilateral meeting with the United States will be explored after our meeting with Araghchi," the Pakistani official said.
(Unioneonline)
