INTERNACIONAL
Trump demands do-or-die nuclear talks with Iran. Who has the leverage?
President Donald Trump remains adamant that his administration will engage in «direct» nuclear talks with Iran on Saturday in Oman, while Tehran appears to remain equally steadfast in its insistence the negotiations will be «indirect.»
Middle East envoy Stever Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Oman, where he could potentially be meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, though the Iranian official has so far maintained the talks will be held through a third party.
While it remains unclear who will get their way regarding the format of the discussions, Iran expert and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Behnam Ben Taleblu, said this public controversy between Washington and Tehran is all a game of leverage.
«Both sides have an incentive to either overrepresent or underrepresent what is happening,» he told Fox News Digital. «These are often the negotiations before the negotiations.»
IRAN MULLS PREEMPTIVE STRIKE ON US BASE AFTER TRUMP BOMB THREATS
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office on April 9, 2025. (Getty Images)
«For the White House, the desire to be seen as having direct talks with the Islamic Republic is high,» he said, pointing to the lack of direct engagement between Washington and Tehran dating back to his first term and the regime’s deep disdain for the president, as witnessed in an apparent assassination attempt.
While the Iranian government has long held contempt for the U.S., a sentiment that has persisted for decades, Trump is «very different,» Ben Taleblu said.
The security expert highlighted the 2020 assassination of top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the crippling effect of the U.S.-sanctioned maximum-pressure campaign and Trump’s open support for the Iranian people as the major issues that have rankled the Iranian regime.
«Trump is a very bitter pill to swallow, and I think the supreme leader of Iran once said that the shoe of Qasem Soleimani has more honor than the head of Trump,» Ben Taleblu said. «Being seen as directly negotiating with someone [like that] would be making the Islamic Republic look like a supplicant.
«The U.S. wants to be seen as having driven Iran to the negotiating table, and the Islamic Republic does not want to be seen as being driven to the negotiating table,» he added.
Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani is shown in 2016. (Press Office of Iranian Supreme Leader/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
AHEAD OF TRUMP ADMIN-IRAN TALKS, NEW REPORT SAYS IRAN NUCLEAR THREAT RISES TO ‘EXTREME DANGER’
Tehran’s chief advantage is the fact that, despite severe U.S. sanctions and geopolitical attempts to halt its development of a nuclear weapon, it has made serious gains in its enrichment of uranium to near-weapons-grade quality, as well as with its missile program, a critical component in being able to actually fire a nuclear warhead.
It also has drastically closer ties with chief U.S. adversarial superpowers like Russia and China, whose position and involvement in countering Western attempts to disarm a nuclear Iran remains an unknown at this point.
While Iran holds significant leverage when it comes to negotiating with the Trump administration on its nuclear program, Washington has a plethora of levers it can use to either incentivize or coerce Tehran into adhering to international calls for the end of its nuclear program.
«The U.S. actually has a heck of a lot of leverage here,» Ben Taleblu said, pointing to not only more economic sanctions, including «snapback» mechanisms under the United Nations Security Council, but also military options.
Trump last month threatened to «bomb» Iran if it did not engage in nuclear talks with the U.S.
But some have questioned how long the administration will allow negotiations to persist as JCPOA-era snapback sanctions expire in October 2025.
The White House would not confirm for Fox News Digital any time restrictions it has issued to Iran, but Trump on Wednesday told reporters, «We have a little time, but we don’t have much time.»
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies analyzed where Iran’s nuclear infrastructure is located. (Foundation for Defense of Democracies)
TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO STOP IRAN FROM MAKING NUCLEAR BOMB: ‘DANGEROUS TERRITORY’
«The regime has its back against the wall,» Ben Taleblu said. «A military option, given what has been happening in the Middle East since Oct. 7, 2023, is an increasingly credible option against the Islamic Republic of Iran.»
«And the regime is engaging, now, to delay and prevent a military option from ever materializing,» he added. «They are hoping to use talks with the Americans as a human shield against the Israelis.»
«So long as you’re talking to America, the Israelis aren’t shooting at you,» Ben Taleblu continued.
Trump this week said that it would be Israel who would take the lead on a military strike on Iran, not the U.S., should nuclear talks fail, which again could be a negotiating tactic as Israel has already demonstrated it will not hesitate to militarily engage with Iran.
«Pursuing wholesale disarmament of the Islamic Republic of Iran is incredibly risky, and it doesn’t have a great track record of succeeding,» Ben Taleblu said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks to President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office on April 7, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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The Iranian expert said the only way to actually take on the Islamic Republic would be through a «broader» and «more holistic» strategy that focuses not only on nuclear nonproliferation but removing the «Axis of Resistance,» scaling up sanctions and having a «ground game» to counter the regime through cyber, political and telecommunication strategies «for when Iranians go out into the street and protest again.»
«What the Islamic Republic would always want is to have you focus on the fire and not on the arsonist, and the arsonist is quite literally a regime that has tried to kill this president,» Ben Taleblu said.
INTERNACIONAL
Donald Trump encabezará una “Cumbre de Paz Histórica” con los líderes de Armenia y Azerbaiyán en la Casa Blanca
El presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, anunció este jueves que recibirá en la Casa Blanca al primer ministro de Armenia, Nikol Pashinián, y al presidente de Azerbaiyán, Ilham Aliyev, el viernes para una “Cumbre de Paz Histórica” con el objetivo de poner fin a un conflicto que se extiende desde hace más de 35 años en el Cáucaso Sur.
Según confirmó Trump en su red social Truth Social, la reunión incluirá una “Ceremonia Oficial de Firma de la Paz” y está prevista además la suscripción de acuerdos bilaterales entre Washington y ambos países para fomentar oportunidades económicas conjuntas en la región.
La prensa de Estados Unidos ha indicado que los tres mandatarios difundirán una declaración conjunta el 8 de agosto a las 16:00 hora local, lo que ha generado expectativas sobre la posible conclusión de un acuerdo de paz que podría reconfigurar la geopolítica del Cáucaso Sur.
El conflicto comenzó en 1988, mientras existía la Unión Soviética (URSS), y se ha mantenido como uno de los enfrentamientos más antiguos del espacio postsoviético. Las hostilidades se han centrado en la región de Nagorno Karabaj, que en 2023 fue recuperada por Azerbaiyán tras una ofensiva militar que provocó el éxodo de más de 100.000 armenios étnicos.
Sectores políticos y expertos de ambos países han valorado la reunión de Washington con cautela. El diputado azerbaiyano Rasim Musabékov no descarta que el acuerdo de paz se firme en suelo estadounidense, pero subraya que tal tratado requerirá ratificación por parte de los parlamentos de ambos Estados. Musabékov, miembro del Comité de Relaciones Internacionales del Parlamento de Azerbaiyán, ha considerado la posibilidad de rubricar un “memorándum” que recoja el consenso alcanzado sobre puntos delicados del acuerdo y resalte el compromiso asumido bajo el auspicio de Estados Unidos.
Desde Ereván, el director del Instituto del Cáucaso, Alexandr Iskanderián, ha señalado que “las expectativas son buenas, pero sería ingenuo pensar que todo se resolverá de inmediato”. Iskanderián coincide en la posibilidad de que se firme un memorando que exprese la voluntad de ambas partes de persistir en las negociaciones para un acuerdo definitivo. Aunque duda de una apertura inmediata de las fronteras, incluidas las de Armenia con Turquía, aliada clave de Azerbaiyán, reconoce la importancia que tendría el gesto para avanzar hacia la estabilidad en la región.
Las principales instituciones de la diáspora armenia en Estados Unidos han manifestado su rechazo a una normalización plena de las relaciones con Azerbaiyán hasta que cuestiones como el retorno de desplazados de Nagorno Karabaj o la liberación de prisioneros armenios sean solucionadas. Azerbaiyán reclama, por su parte, que Armenia modifique su constitución para eliminar reivindicaciones territoriales sobre Karabaj como condición previa para la paz.
Uno de los aspectos más controvertidos que obstaculizan el entendimiento es el futuro del Corredor de Zanguezur, una vía estratégica de transporte y comunicación que atraviesa el sur de Armenia y conectaría Asia Central con Europa a través del Mar Caspio y el Mar Negro.
Las negociaciones para abordar el conflicto se remontan a 1994, tras un alto el fuego que siguió a la Primera Guerra de Nagorno Karabaj. Desde entonces, numerosos intentos internacionales no han logrado consolidar la paz, aunque recientes conversaciones han permitido acercamientos preliminares, como la reunión en julio en Emiratos Árabes Unidos.
La cumbre se produce en un contexto de distanciamiento con Rusia, que tradicionalmente había ejercido de mediador en la región desde el colapso de la URSS, pero cuyo papel se ha visto eclipsado en los últimos años, especialmente desde la Segunda Guerra de Nagorno Karabaj en 2020. Según Musabékov, en la actualidad, Estados Unidos se presenta como el único actor capaz de garantizar la aplicación de un acuerdo y asegurar la estabilidad en el Cáucaso Sur.
El Gobierno de Armenia ha confirmado que la visita oficial de Pashinián a Estados Unidos el 7 y 8 de agosto incluye una reunión bilateral con Trump y un encuentro trilateral con Aliyev y el mandatario estadounidense para “profundizar la alianza estratégica” y “promover la paz, la prosperidad y la cooperación económica en la región”.
La paz entre Azerbaiyán y Armenia permitiría desbloquear proyectos de infraestructura y comercio, asegurando la viabilidad de corredores energéticos y de transporte fundamentales para conectar Asia Central, el Mar Caspio, el Mar Negro y Europa. El acuerdo podría marcar el inicio de una nueva etapa en el Cáucaso Sur, con implicaciones globales en seguridad, integración económica y desplazamientos poblacionales.
Ambos gobiernos ya definieron en marzo de este año el texto base para el pacto, aunque persistían discrepancias significativas. Tras el encuentro de Washington se espera que tanto Armenia como Azerbaiyán avancen en la ratificación parlamentaria de los compromisos asumidos, mientras la comunidad internacional sigue de cerca un posible punto de inflexión en el equilibrio regional.
(Con información de AFP, EFE y EP)
North America,Government / Politics,WASHINGTON
INTERNACIONAL
Pentagon announces massive migrant detention facility at Fort Bliss in Texas with 5,000 beds
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The Department of Defense plans to build the largest federal migrant detention facility in the U.S. to date, at Fort Bliss in Texas, which is expected to have up to 5,000 beds for illegal aliens.
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson announced the project during a press briefing Thursday, stating that construction began in July.
«Since then, work has begun for initial detainment capacity of 1,000 illegal aliens with initial operating capacity likely to be achieved by mid to late August,» Wilson said. «Once DOD achieves initial stand up, we will finish construction for up to 5,000 beds in the weeks and months ahead.»
Wilson said the facility will become the largest of its kind in U.S. history, serving what she called «this critical mission: the deportation of illegal aliens.»
TRUMP ADMIN OFFERS $608M FOR STATES TO BUILD MIGRANT CAMPS MODELED AFTER ‘ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ’
An entrance to Fort Bliss as the Department of Defense plans to build the largest federal migrant detention facility in the U.S. at the post. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The new facility is being established to support President Donald Trump’s executive order to protect Americans against an invasion.
The announcement follows Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s recent statement that the state will build a facility dubbed the «Speedway Slammer» at the Miami Correctional Center, located between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.
Named in reference to Indiana’s racing heritage, including the Indianapolis 500, the «Speedway Slammer» will house up to 1,000 migrants once operational.
SELF-DEPORT OR END UP IN ‘ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ,’ NOEM WARNS MIGRANTS DURING TRUMP VISIT
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said the state would have a detention center for illegal immigrants built in Miami County, called the «Speedway Slammer.» (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
«We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership,» Braun said in a statement on Tuesday. «Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration and will continue to lead the way among states.»
Funding for the project comes from a reconciliation bill signed by Trump last month, which he referred to as the «one big, beautiful bill.»
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the legislation funds the 287(g) program, which facilitates cooperation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local authorities, as well as 80,000 ICE detention beds.
The Trump administration has continued deportation operations while encouraging undocumented immigrants without additional criminal records to self-deport.
TRUMP TO VISIT ‘ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ’ FOR GRAND OPENING OF SWAMPY EVERGLADES DETENTION CENTER FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS
An aerial view of a migrant detention center, dubbed «Alligator Alcatraz,» is seen located at the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida on July 7, 2025. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images)
According to DHS, individuals who voluntarily leave the country are eligible for a $1,000 incentive and free travel, potentially allowing for legal reentry in the future.
Another facility, informally known as «Alligator Alcatraz,» opened this summer under the supervision of federal officials and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. It serves as a staging center for deportations.
Initially funded by the state, the facility will also receive support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It currently holds 2,000 people, with capacity expected to double. Deportation flights began late last month.
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The facility was converted from a decommissioned airport in the Everglades. A second center may follow, according to WJHL. State officials have faced criticism from immigration and environmental advocacy groups over the facility’s location and purpose.
Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman and Cameron Arcand contributed to this report.
texas,donald trump,immigration
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A parrot trained to mimic drug-related phrases played an unlikely role in helping British police dismantle a narcotics network operating inside a prison, authorities revealed this week.
The Lancashire Constabulary announced charges against 15 people linked to the gang, which allegedly trafficked drugs across Blackpool, England, between February 2023 and July 2024. The group was led by 35-year-old Adam Garnett, who was already serving a prison sentence when the operation was uncovered.
The investigation began after prison officials searched Garnett’s cell and found multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers. That discovery led police to several of his suspected associates, including Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton and Jason Gerrand. Searches of their homes turned up heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, large sums of cash and mobile phones allegedly tied to the drug trade.
One of the more bizarre findings came from Hilton’s phone, which police say contained videos showing her parrot, named «Mango,» repeating «two for 25,» a suspected drug deal reference. Another clip reportedly showed the bird playing with cash allegedly linked to illicit profits.
THREE BRITISH NATIONALS COULD FACE DEATH BY FIRING SQUAD FOR ALLEGEDLY SMUGGLING COCAINE INTO INDONESIA
British police say Mango the parrot helped expose a drug gang by repeating drug-dealing phrases (Lancashire Police)
«What’s the most talented thing your pet can do? Sit? Give paw? How about speak?» Lancashire Police wrote in a post on the department’s Facebook page.
«One drug dealer’s parrot learned to say ‘two for 25’ – a phrase picked up as part of common language used by the organised crime gang run by her boyfriend. Not a phrase you want your parrot squawking when the police come knocking!»
Investigators also uncovered video calls between Hilton and Garnett, along with footage appearing to show kilogram-sized packages of cocaine, sometimes accompanied by music lyrics referencing the drug.
Despite being behind bars, authorities say Garnett remained at the center of the operation, directing efforts to hide evidence and maintaining contact with nearly every member of the criminal network.
7 MEMBERS OF SOUTH AMERICAN THEFT GROUP ARRESTED FOR PHOENIX BURGLARIES
Officials say 15 people were arrested when cops busted the major drug ring. (Lancashire Police)
Det. Sgt. Anthony Alves of Lancashire Police’s West Targeted Crime Team praised the outcome, calling it a «coordinated and complex drug operation that extended far beyond prison walls.»
«Garnett continued to run his enterprise while incarcerated, using illegal devices to maintain control. I want to thank my team, our partners at the Crown Prosecution Service, and our prosecution team for their dedication to bringing these criminals to justice.»
He added that warrants remain active for Chloe Stott and Ryan Black and urged the public to come forward with any information about their whereabouts.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: DHS NABS NUMEROUS SUSPECTS IN DRAMATIC STING OF RIVAL LA GANGS
Authorities say additional evidence from suspects’ phones included videos flaunting large amounts of cash, drug-related rap lyrics and documented drug transactions.
Garnett was sentenced to an additional 19 years and six months in prison to be served consecutively with his existing 15-year term. Hilton, 29, received 12 years while Sandhu, 41, was sentenced to 10.
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The bust was part of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police’s initiative to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, exploitation and violence in the region. The initiative is supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, who applauded the arrests and convictions.
«This sends a clear message: we will not tolerate organized crime in our communities. I remain committed to giving law enforcement the resources they need to take down these gangs and protect the public.»
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
drugs,crime world,world
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Pentagon announces massive migrant detention facility at Fort Bliss in Texas with 5,000 beds
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