UK Bows to U.S. Pressure as it Halts Chagos Transfer to Mauritius

Facing blunt opposition from Trump, the UK has backed off plans to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, freezing a deal involving a 99 year lease of Diego Garcia, a joint UK-U.S. strategic military base since the 1970s.

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U.S. official now says the American warships transited the Strait of Hormuz into the Arabian Sea before returning to the Gulf.

The official described it as a "freedom of navigation operation in international waters."

Source: Axios

Pakistan has arranged local entertainment options for the journalists and officials attending the Islamabad talks.

U.S. authorities have revoked the lawful permanent resident status of family members of Masoumeh Ebtekar, who was a spokeswoman during the Iran hostage crisis.

Prof. John Mearsheimer on Iran War:

The only off-ramp here is surrender for Trump.

The question is on what terms.

Prof. John Mearsheimer:

If you’re Japan or South Korea, the lesson is simple from Iran War.

You’d better have your own nuclear deterrent.

Trump, when asked whether Iran knows where the mines are:

I don’t know.

But we know where they’re placed.

Serbia is moving forward with a joint drone factory with Israel’s Elbit Systems.

Elbit will own 51%, Serbia’s Jugoimport-SDPR 49%.

It will produce armed short-range and long-range UAVs.

The deal includes technology transfer and Serbian engineer involvement.

Source: Balkan Insight

Middle East Expert Adam Weinstein (Quincy Institute):

Gulf countries like Qatar, Oman & Saudi benefit. Emiratis are not happy because they wanted a hostile stand towards Iran.
 
Trump administration benefits because this war is not popular at home & deviated from his campaign promises.
 
The country that benefits the least is Israel. They saw once-in-a-generation opportunity to destroy the regime in Iran & prepared to have this war continue for months.

FULL INTERVIEW

WATCH: A man breached security at Shannon Airport in Ireland, climbed onto a parked C-130 Hercules, and damaged it with a tool.

He was arrested.

Talks between United States and Iran lasted about two hours before delegations paused for a break.

Source: Reuters

Talks may be extended by an extra day for technical discussions, but no final decision yet.

U.S. and Iranian experts are currently reviewing details of several issues.

Source: Tasnim

Hezbollah targets a house with Israeli soldiers in Bayyada, South Lebanon using drones.

Moldova formally launched its exit from the Commonwealth of Independent States by withdrawing from its founding treaties.

The move shows Moldova’s shift toward the EU and away from Russian influence.

Hungary will hold parliamentary elections tomorrow.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz alliance face a strong challenge from Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party.

Polls point to a tight race, but the electoral system means the opposition likely needs a clear lead to win a majority.

Trump:

The Fake News Media is CRAZY, or just plain CORRUPT! The United States has completely destroyed Iran’s Military, including their entire Navy and Air Force, and everything else. Their Leadership is DEAD!

The Strait of Hormuz will soon be open, and the empty ships are rushing to the United States to “load up.” But, if you listen to the Fake News, we’re losing!

Iranian military official to Tasnim:

Iran remains determined not to allow any vessel to pass without authorization, and any potential transit will strictly require Iran’s approval.

Iran's Tasnim:

At present, no traffic is taking place in the Strait of Hormuz. Even a U.S. destroyer that intended to pass through the strait was not granted permission.

Middle East Expert Adam Weinstein (Quincy Institute):
 

Pakistan can afford to take the risk since they are not vulnerable to Iran & not dependent on the U.S. They have nothing to lose.
 
They are close to Trump administration & China. China doesn't want the war because it is not good for business.
 
Pakistanis are not taking responsibility for the outcome. They are saying “we’re only providing a venue."
 
Unlike before, now they’re being viewed as peacemakers, which increases their prestige, while India is sidelined.

FULL INTERVIEW

CENTCOM:

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations.

USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.