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25 Apr 2026, 18:00
Ethereum Foundation Sells 10,000 ETH To BitMine In $24M OTC Deal
Barely a month after its first transaction with BitMine, the Ethereum Foundation has announced another sale of significant amounts of Ether tokens to the digital asset treasury (DAT) company. BitMine Picks Up Additional 10,000 ETH From Ethereum Foundation In an April 24th post on the X platform, the Ethereum Foundation disclosed that it has “finalized the terms” of a 10,000 ETH sale, with BitMine as the counterparty in an over-the-counter (OTC) deal. This OTC transaction was reportedly completed at an average cost of $2,387 (equivalent to nearly $24 million in value). This latest transaction comes a month and 10 days after the Ethereum Foundation sold 5,000 ETH (worth roughly $10.21 million at the time) to the Chairman Tom Lee-led digital asset treasury firm. Similar to the previous sale, proceeds from this transaction will fund the EF’s core operations & activities, including protocol R&D, ecosystem development, community grant funding, and more. As disclosed in the last transaction, this sale is part of the ongoing treasury management activity and policy, within which the Ethereum Foundation disclosed that Ether will be sold to maintain its fiat-denominated assets from the Opex (operating expense) Buffer target. It is worth noting that these token sell-offs have not been well received by the crypto community, with many believing the foundation could earn income from staking rather than outright sales. Interestingly, the Ethereum Foundation has also been staking a portion of its ETH holdings over the past few months, making this latest transaction all the more surprising. Earlier in the month, the EF closed in on its 70,000 ETH staking goal after sending 45,000 Ether tokens to the Beacon Deposit Contract. However, the fact that the counterparty in this 10,000-ETH transaction is BitMine should bring some degree of calm to the crowd. With the largest Ethereum corporate holder always looking to expand its stockpile, the market can be relatively confident that the recently acquired tokens are unlikely to enter the open market. The digital asset treasury firm revealed earlier in the week that it purchased 101,627 tokens between April 13 and April 19. The Tom Lee-chaired company now holds 4,976,485 ETH, about 4.12% of the cryptocurrency’s supply. What’s interesting is that BitMine is believed to have a target of holding about 5% of the second-largest cryptocurrency’s total supply. With the target still a few percentage points away, the firm’s acquisition spree seems likely to not let up any time soon. Ethereum Price At A Glance As of this writing, the price of ETH is around $2,316, down 0.6% over the past 24 hours. According to CoinGecko data, the altcoin has declined by roughly 5% over the last 7 days.
25 Apr 2026, 17:05
Pundit to XRP Holders: This is the Kind of Signal You Do Not Ignore
Financial markets continue to experience growing convergence between traditional banking infrastructure and digital asset ecosystems, as institutions explore new ways to streamline liquidity, custody, and settlement processes. XRP often sits at the center of discussions on enterprise blockchain integration and potential institutional adoption. According to X Finance Bull on X, recent developments suggest a deeper alignment between Ripple-related infrastructure and major financial players, with particular emphasis on Goldman Sachs and treasury system integrations. The post frames these developments as a significant signal for XRP holders, arguing that multiple institutional touchpoints may indicate structural positioning rather than surface-level interest. Institutional Treasury Infrastructure and Ripple Ecosystem Claims X Finance Bull claims that Goldman Sachs maintained prior ties with the GTreasury platform through payments and liquidity-related integrations. The post suggests Ripple has since restructured that ecosystem into Ripple Treasury. In this system, digital assets such as XRP and RLUSD can operate alongside fiat balances in unified corporate treasury workflows. BOOM! $XRP ARMY, THIS IS THE KIND OF SIGNAL YOU DO NOT IGNORE. Goldman Sachs was already tied to the former GTreasury platform through official payments and liquidity integrations. Ripple has now turned that platform into Ripple Treasury, with native digital asset… https://t.co/6kFxFPgc28 pic.twitter.com/v6GY0uMoqY — X Finance Bull (@Xfinancebull) April 24, 2026 This narrative aligns with broader industry trends in tokenized finance, where enterprise treasury systems increasingly explore interoperability between traditional cash management tools and blockchain-based settlement layers. However, publicly available records do not confirm a formal transition of GTreasury into a Ripple-owned treasury platform. Industry standards typically require explicit corporate disclosures for such structural changes. ETF Exposure Claims and Market Interpretation The post also asserts that Goldman Sachs has emerged as the largest disclosed holder of spot XRP ETF exposure . This claim has circulated widely across crypto commentary channels, contributing to renewed speculation about institutional positioning in XRP-related products. However, ETF exposure data generally originates from regulatory filings such as Form 13F disclosures, which report institutional holdings with significant reporting delays. These filings also do not always distinguish between strategic conviction and passive index exposure. As of current verified public disclosures, no definitive documentation confirms the scale or ranking implied in the post. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Market Sentiment and Narrative Amplification The XRP community has reacted strongly to the commentary, with traders interpreting the claims as evidence of accelerating institutional interest. Social platforms have amplified the discussion, reinforcing a familiar pattern in crypto markets where narrative-driven signals often influence short-term sentiment. Market analysts, however, continue to caution that narrative intensity does not equal confirmed capital flows. They emphasize the importance of distinguishing between speculative interpretation and verifiable institutional action, particularly in rapidly evolving digital asset sectors. Verification Standards and Industry Reality Neither Ripple nor Goldman Sachs has issued formal confirmation supporting the specific structural or exposure claims presented in the post. In regulated financial markets, treasury integrations, ETF holdings, and institutional partnerships require documented disclosures, compliance checks, and audit-backed reporting before being classified as confirmed. In conclusion, the commentary from X Finance Bull reflects growing optimism around XRP’s potential integration into institutional finance systems. However, current evidence remains interpretive rather than definitive. While market narratives continue to accelerate, verified disclosures remain the only reliable basis for assessing institutional participation and structural adoption. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Pundit to XRP Holders: This is the Kind of Signal You Do Not Ignore appeared first on Times Tabloid .
25 Apr 2026, 15:30
Apple Hardware Strategy: John Ternus CEO Era Unleashes Bold AI Devices
BitcoinWorld Apple Hardware Strategy: John Ternus CEO Era Unleashes Bold AI Devices Apple Inc. is entering a transformative era. The company announced on Monday that John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as CEO later this year. This leadership change signals a renewed focus on hardware innovation. The Apple hardware strategy under Ternus is expected to center on AI-powered devices, foldable iPhones, and home robotics. This shift comes as Apple faces intense competition in artificial intelligence and navigates global supply chain challenges. John Ternus: A Hardware Veteran Takes the Helm John Ternus brings a unique background to the CEO role. He joined Apple in 2001 and spent his career in hardware engineering. He contributed to major products like AirPods, the Apple Watch, and the Vision Pro. Unlike Tim Cook, who transformed Apple into a services and supply chain powerhouse, Ternus is a product builder. His appointment prioritizes device innovation over business expansion. This move positions Apple to compete more aggressively in the hardware space. Cook built Apple into a $4 trillion company. He expanded the services business and oversaw record profitability. Ternus now faces a different set of challenges. He must define Apple’s next era amid rapid technological change. His expertise in hardware gives him a distinct advantage. He understands the engineering complexities behind Apple’s most successful products. Apple AI Devices: Putting Intelligence in Your Hand The Apple hardware strategy under Ternus will likely prioritize AI at the device level. Instead of building the largest AI models, Apple may focus on AI-powered hardware. This includes the iPhone, wearables, and smart home devices. According to Bloomberg, Apple is exploring smart glasses, a wearable pendant with a camera, and AI-enhanced AirPods. All these products would connect to the iPhone. Siri would play a central role in this ecosystem. This approach differentiates Apple from competitors like Google and Microsoft. Those companies focus on cloud-based AI. Apple aims to deliver AI experiences directly on devices. This strategy protects user privacy and reduces latency. It also strengthens the Apple ecosystem. Users benefit from seamless integration across products. Foldable iPhone: A Long-Awaited Launch Foldable iPhones have been rumored for years. Competitors like Samsung have already released multiple generations. Apple has taken a slower approach, waiting for technology to meet its quality standards. Reports now suggest a foldable iPhone will launch in September. This means Ternus will oversee its debut. The foldable iPhone represents a major test for Apple’s hardware strategy. It must compete with established products while delivering a superior user experience. The foldable device is expected to feature a durable display and a seamless hinge mechanism. Apple’s focus on premium materials and software optimization could set it apart. The launch will also signal Apple’s commitment to new form factors. It marks a departure from the traditional slab design that defined the iPhone for over a decade. Apple Robotics: From Tabletop Assistants to Humanoid Machines Apple has reportedly been exploring robotics for the home. One concept includes a tabletop device with a robotic arm attached to a display. This device would act as a smart assistant that moves and turns toward the user. It aligns with Ternus’s long-standing interest in robotics. In college, he built a device that allowed quadriplegics to control a mechanical feeding arm using head movements, as reported by the New York Times. Apple is also considering mobile robots that follow users around. These robots could handle simple tasks or act as moving FaceTime screens. Some reports mention experiments with humanoid robots, though those are likely years away. These projects remain speculative. However, they provide a clear direction for Apple’s long-term hardware strategy. Robotics could become a new product category, similar to how the iPhone created the smartphone market. Supply Chain Challenges: Tariffs and Manufacturing Shifts The Apple hardware strategy faces significant external pressures. Ongoing memory chip shortages affect production timelines. President Trump’s frequently shifting tariff policies create uncertainty. Apple relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing. Roughly 80% of iPhones were produced in China before the tariffs. The company has since pivoted to India. According to Bloomberg, Apple made about 25% of its iPhones in India last year. This diversification reduces risk but introduces new complexities. Indian manufacturing infrastructure is still developing. Quality control and logistics require careful management. Ternus must navigate these challenges while maintaining Apple’s high standards. His hardware engineering background will be valuable. He understands the intricacies of global supply chains and production processes. Impact on Product Timelines Supply chain issues could delay product launches. The foldable iPhone, for example, may face component shortages. Apple’s reliance on custom chips and displays adds complexity. The company designs its own processors, which are manufactured by TSMC. Any disruption at TSMC could affect multiple product lines. Ternus must build resilient supply chains to ensure consistent product availability. Competitive Landscape: Apple vs. The World Apple faces intense competition across multiple fronts. In AI, companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft lead in model development. Apple’s strategy focuses on on-device AI, which may limit its capabilities. However, it offers privacy advantages that competitors cannot match. In hardware, Samsung dominates the foldable phone market. Apple must deliver a superior product to capture market share. In robotics, companies like Amazon and Boston Dynamics have significant leads. Amazon’s Astro robot is already available. Apple’s entry into this space would require substantial investment. Ternus must decide which markets to enter and which to avoid. His hardware expertise will guide these strategic choices. Timeline: Key Milestones Under Ternus The transition to Ternus’s leadership will unfold over several months. The official CEO change is expected later this year. The foldable iPhone launch in September will be an early test. AI-enhanced AirPods and smart glasses may follow in 2026. Home robotics products could arrive in 2027 or later. Each milestone will shape Apple’s hardware strategy and market position. Ternus must also address the Vision Pro. The mixed-reality headset launched under Cook but has struggled with adoption. Ternus may refine the product or pivot to a lower-cost version. His hardware background will be crucial for this decision. Conclusion The Apple hardware strategy under John Ternus represents a bold new direction. The company will focus on AI-powered devices, foldable iPhones, and home robotics. Ternus’s hardware engineering background positions him well for this shift. However, supply chain challenges and intense competition pose significant risks. The success of this strategy will depend on execution. Apple must deliver innovative products that meet its high standards. If successful, Ternus could define Apple’s next era of growth. The world will watch closely as he takes the helm. FAQs Q1: When will John Ternus become CEO of Apple? A1: John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as CEO later this year. The exact date has not been announced, but the transition is expected to occur in the coming months. Q2: What is Apple’s new hardware strategy under Ternus? A2: Apple’s hardware strategy under Ternus focuses on AI-powered devices, including smart glasses, AI-enhanced AirPods, a foldable iPhone, and home robotics. The goal is to integrate AI directly into hardware products. Q3: Will Apple release a foldable iPhone? A3: Yes, reports indicate a foldable iPhone will launch in September. John Ternus will oversee its debut. The device is expected to feature a durable display and premium materials. Q4: Is Apple working on robots? A4: Yes, Apple is exploring home robotics, including a tabletop device with a robotic arm and mobile robots. Humanoid robots are also being researched but are likely years away from release. Q5: How will tariffs affect Apple’s hardware strategy? A5: Tariffs and supply chain uncertainty pose challenges. Apple is diversifying manufacturing to India, where it now produces about 25% of iPhones. Memory chip shortages could also impact product timelines. This post Apple Hardware Strategy: John Ternus CEO Era Unleashes Bold AI Devices first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
25 Apr 2026, 15:29
US oil exports eye record 5.48M bpd as Hormuz shuts
U.S. monthly crude exports are on track to hit a new all-time high of 5.48 million barrels per day after the Strait of Hormuz shutdown sent buyers in Asia and Europe looking for American supply. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said U.S. exports of crude and petroleum products rose to nearly 12.9 million barrels per day last week, the highest ever recorded. Kpler data also showed U.S. liquefied natural gas shipments reached a record last month. Hormuz closure sends Asian and European buyers after U.S. crude cargoes According to the EIA, Dated Brent traded more than $25 per barrel above the front-month Brent futures contract in early April, which is apparently a very rare gap for two prices that normally stay much closer. The premium grew because buyers needed real barrels fast after Hormuz traffic stopped. Shipments that should have crossed the strait became uncertain, so refiners had to find other supply. About 20 million barrels of oil and petroleum products were shipped every day through the strait before the war. EIA said , “Slow declines in production of these crude oil grades led most Brent price assessments to devise methods to incorporate West Texas Intermediate (WTI), priced at Midland in the United States, into the basket of Brent crude oil grades in 2023.” The front-month Brent futures contract trades on Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), as it is the main Brent futures contract because both physical oil firms and financial traders use it. Dated Brent tracks actual cargoes loaded on set dates from selected North Sea terminals. It can also include a WTI shipment delivered to Rotterdam on a CIF basis. After purchase, the oil is sent to a port, then to a refinery, where it is processed into fuels like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. JPMorgan says oil prices still have not risen enough to close the supply gap JPMorgan (JPM) analyst Natasha Kaneva said the oil market still needs higher prices to deal with the supply shock caused by the Iran war. Brent futures have averaged about $100 per barrel in April, while physical cargo prices have traded closer to $121 per barrel. Kaneva said both prices are still too low to cut demand enough. Kaneva put the April supply loss at 13.7 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates would normally raise output to ease that kind of shortage, but the war has blocked them from exporting through the Strait of Hormuz. “Nearly all of the world’s spare capacity is concentrated in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and it was effectively cut off from global oil markets, stripping the industry of its traditional shock absorber,” Kaneva said. Countries are now pulling from commercial and strategic oil stocks at about 7.1 million barrels per day, which lowers the global gap to 6.6 million barrels per day. Demand is also expected to drop by 4.3 million barrels per day in April, mainly in the Middle East and Asia, where Gulf supply matters most, according to the bank. “What is striking is that these losses have occurred at prices that do not appear extreme by historical standards,” Kaneva said. “Even so, higher pump prices are starting to curb discretionary driving in the U.S., while rising airfares are beginning to soften jet demand.” The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
25 Apr 2026, 15:10
Bitcoin World Live Feed Operating Hours: Uninterrupted Real-Time Crypto News Coverage 24/7
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin World Live Feed Operating Hours: Uninterrupted Real-Time Crypto News Coverage 24/7 Bitcoin World Live Feed provides real-time cryptocurrency news updates around the clock, but its operating hours follow a specific schedule. The live feed runs continuously from 10:00 p.m. UTC on Sunday through 3:00 p.m. UTC on Saturday. Outside these hours, coverage focuses only on critical market-moving developments. This schedule ensures traders and investors receive timely information during peak market activity while maintaining efficiency during slower periods. Understanding Bitcoin World Live Feed Operating Hours The Bitcoin World Live Feed operates on a carefully designed schedule. It begins at 10:00 p.m. UTC every Sunday and continues without interruption until 3:00 p.m. UTC on Saturday. This covers the most active trading periods across global markets, including Asian, European, and American sessions. During the 31-hour gap from Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening, the feed switches to limited coverage. Only developments with significant market impact receive updates during this window. This approach balances resource allocation with user needs. Many cryptocurrency exchanges operate 24/7, but news cycles naturally slow down on weekends. Bitcoin World Live Feed aligns its schedule with this reality. By focusing full resources on the Sunday-to-Saturday window, the platform delivers deeper analysis and faster updates when users need them most. The limited weekend coverage still captures breaking events like exchange hacks, regulatory announcements, or major price swings. Why the Sunday-to-Saturday Schedule Matters for Traders Cryptocurrency markets never sleep, but news production does. The Bitcoin World Live Feed schedule acknowledges this distinction. Trading volumes peak during weekdays when institutional investors are active. Retail traders also monitor markets more closely during these days. By providing uninterrupted coverage from Sunday evening through Saturday afternoon, the feed supports the majority of trading activity. Weekend trading typically sees lower volumes and less volatility. Exceptions occur when unexpected events emerge. Bitcoin World Live Feed accounts for this by maintaining a watchful stance during the limited coverage window. The platform’s editorial team monitors global news feeds and social media for potential market-moving events. If a major story breaks, the feed updates immediately regardless of the schedule. Global Market Session Alignment The feed’s start time at 10:00 p.m. UTC on Sunday aligns with the opening of Asian markets. This timing captures early price movements in the region. It then covers the European session and the American session throughout the week. The Saturday 3:00 p.m. UTC cutoff occurs after the close of most major stock markets. This strategic alignment ensures traders receive updates during every critical trading window. Here is a breakdown of how the feed covers major trading sessions: Asian Session: Sunday 10:00 p.m. UTC to Monday 8:00 a.m. UTC European Session: Monday 7:00 a.m. UTC to 4:00 p.m. UTC American Session: Monday 1:00 p.m. UTC to 10:00 p.m. UTC Overlap Periods: High activity during European-American overlap (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. UTC) What Happens During Limited Coverage Hours From Saturday 3:00 p.m. UTC to Sunday 10:00 p.m. UTC, the Bitcoin World Live Feed enters limited coverage mode. During this period, the platform does not provide minute-by-minute updates. Instead, editors curate only the most impactful news items. This includes regulatory changes, exchange outages, major hacks, significant price movements exceeding 5%, and announcements from leading cryptocurrency projects. The limited coverage window serves multiple purposes. It allows the editorial team to rest and prepare for the upcoming week. It also prevents information overload for users who may be less active during weekends. The platform still maintains a presence on social media channels for urgent updates. Users can also access the Bitcoin World app and website for general news without interruption. Overseas Economic News Coverage Continues Without Interruption An important note for users: Coverage of overseas economic news on the Bitcoin World Live app and website continues without interruption. This means economic indicators, central bank decisions, and geopolitical developments still appear in the news feed. These events often influence cryptocurrency markets indirectly. For example, a Federal Reserve interest rate decision or a Chinese regulatory announcement can trigger price movements even during the limited coverage window. The continuous coverage of overseas economic news ensures that users do not miss critical context for market movements. Bitcoin World Live Feed prioritizes this content because of its broad market impact. The platform’s editorial team sources information from verified news agencies and official government channels. This commitment to accuracy and timeliness builds trust among users. Examples of Overseas Economic News Covered Continuously U.S. Federal Reserve policy statements and interest rate decisions European Central Bank monetary policy updates Chinese government cryptocurrency regulations Japanese economic data releases affecting yen pairs Geopolitical events like sanctions or trade agreements How Bitcoin World Live Feed Compares to Other Crypto News Platforms Many cryptocurrency news platforms offer 24/7 coverage, but their quality often drops during off-peak hours. Bitcoin World Live Feed differentiates itself by maintaining high editorial standards during its active window. The limited coverage period does not mean lower quality. Instead, it means focused attention on the most relevant stories. This approach aligns with Google’s Helpful Content System, which prioritizes useful, well-researched information over constant but shallow updates. Other platforms may rely on automated aggregation during weekends. Bitcoin World Live Feed uses human editors to verify and contextualize news. This human oversight reduces the risk of spreading misinformation. It also ensures that the limited coverage updates carry real value for traders. Users can trust that any update during the weekend has been vetted for accuracy and significance. Impact on User Experience and Trading Decisions The operating hours of Bitcoin World Live Feed directly affect how users consume news. Traders who rely on real-time updates can plan their monitoring around the Sunday-to-Saturday schedule. Those who trade primarily during weekdays benefit from uninterrupted coverage. Weekend traders must rely on the limited updates, but the continuous overseas economic news provides valuable context. For long-term investors, the schedule matters less. They typically focus on broader trends rather than minute-by-minute updates. The limited coverage window still captures major developments that could affect their portfolios. The platform’s editorial team prioritizes stories with long-term implications, such as regulatory frameworks or technological upgrades. Technical Reliability and Platform Performance Bitcoin World Live Feed maintains high uptime during its active hours. The platform uses redundant servers and content delivery networks to handle traffic spikes. During the limited coverage window, some non-critical features may experience reduced functionality. However, the core news feed remains accessible. The Bitcoin World app and website continue to display previously published articles and live economic news. Users should note that the live feed’s operating hours apply to the real-time update stream. The website’s article archive remains fully searchable at all times. This allows users to catch up on missed news during the limited coverage window. The platform also offers push notifications for breaking events, which function regardless of the schedule. Conclusion Bitcoin World Live Feed operating hours provide a structured approach to cryptocurrency news delivery. The Sunday 10:00 p.m. UTC to Saturday 3:00 p.m. UTC window covers peak trading activity across global markets. The limited coverage period focuses on critical developments while overseas economic news continues uninterrupted. This balance ensures traders receive timely, relevant updates without sacrificing quality. Understanding this schedule helps users optimize their news consumption and make informed trading decisions. Bitcoin World Live Feed remains a trusted source for real-time cryptocurrency news, backed by editorial expertise and a commitment to accuracy. FAQs Q1: What are the exact Bitcoin World Live Feed operating hours? The feed runs from 10:00 p.m. UTC on Sunday to 3:00 p.m. UTC on Saturday. Outside these hours, coverage is limited to critical market-moving developments. Q2: Does Bitcoin World Live Feed stop completely during limited coverage hours? No. The feed continues with limited coverage, focusing only on major events like regulatory changes, hacks, or significant price movements. Overseas economic news coverage continues without interruption. Q3: Why does Bitcoin World Live Feed have limited coverage on weekends? Weekend trading volumes are typically lower, and news cycles slow down. The schedule allows the editorial team to rest and prepare for the upcoming week while still covering critical events. Q4: Can I still access Bitcoin World Live Feed during limited coverage hours? Yes. The app and website remain accessible. You can read previously published articles and receive updates on overseas economic news. Push notifications for breaking events also function. Q5: How does Bitcoin World Live Feed decide which news to cover during limited hours? Editors prioritize stories with significant market impact, such as regulatory announcements, exchange outages, major hacks, and price movements exceeding 5%. They source information from verified agencies and official channels. Q6: Does the limited coverage affect the quality of news updates? No. The limited coverage window focuses on quality over quantity. Each update is verified and contextualized by human editors, ensuring accuracy and relevance for traders and investors. This post Bitcoin World Live Feed Operating Hours: Uninterrupted Real-Time Crypto News Coverage 24/7 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
25 Apr 2026, 14:33
Iran pushes back on Trump talks narrative ahead of Pakistan envoy trip
Iran denied that its officials would meet U.S. negotiators in Pakistan this weekend, even as the Trump administration sent two senior envoys to Islamabad. The denial came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir on Saturday, based on a post from the Iranian embassy in Pakistan on X. Tehran’s message was blunt. A senior Iranian official said Iran had no plan to sit with the U.S. team. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said late Friday, “No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran’s observations would be conveyed to Pakistan.” Iran uses Pakistan as the channel while Trump sends Steve and Jared to Islamabad White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Pakistan on Saturday morning for “direct talks” with Iranian counterparts. Karoline said, “The Iranians reached out” and asked for an in-person conversation after President Donald Trump told them to do so. She said Trump was sending Steve and Jared “to go hear what they have to say,” and added that the White House hoped the trip could help push both sides toward a deal. Vice President JD Vance will not join the weekend trip. JD led the first U.S. team that met in Islamabad two weeks ago. That round ended with no agreement. A second U.S. trip had been expected earlier this week, but it was delayed after Iranian officials reportedly said they would not attend. Trump later told Reuters that Iran would be “making an offer.” He also said he did not know what the offer would be and added, “we’ll have to see.” Abbas had already said he was starting what he called a “timely tour” of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. He said the trip was meant to coordinate with partners on bilateral issues and regional developments. Karoline said the Pakistan talks would be “intermediated by the Pakistanis,” which means Islamabad is being used as the go-between while both sides argue over what this process even is. Washington keeps the blockade in place as oil waivers and sanctions hit Iran The biggest pressure point is still the Strait of Hormuz, the oil route that has become the center of the crisis. Ship traffic there has slowed badly after Iranian threats and a U.S. naval blockade that began last week. Trump told Reuters the U.S. will not lift the blockade on Iranian ports until there is a deal. The U.S. is also tightening oil pressure. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told The Associated Press that Washington will not renew a one-time waiver that allowed buyers to purchase Iranian oil already at sea. “Not the Iranians,” Scott said. “We have the blockade, and there’s no oil coming out.” Scott also said, “And we think in the next two, three days, they’re going to have to start shuttering production, which will be very bad for their wells.” He said the U.S. also does not plan to renew a waiver for Russian oil and petroleum products that are already at sea. Washington then sanctioned Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co., Ltd., an independent Chinese teapot refinery, over purchases of Iranian oil products. The company is linked to Hengli Petrochemical ( 600346[.]SS ). The U.S. Treasury said Chinese teapot refineries remain important buyers for Iran’s oil economy and said Hengli had bought billions of dollars in Iranian crude and petroleum products. The dispute is adding more pressure to a ceasefire announced on April 7. That ceasefire was already weak because Trump had warned that Iran’s “whole civilization will die” if no deal is reached. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth complained that keeping Hormuz open should not be America’s job alone. Pete repeated Trump’s complaint that Europe was not doing enough. “Europe and Asia have benefited from our protection for decades, but the time for free riding is over,” he said. Your keys, your card. Spend without giving up custody and earn 8%+ yield on your balance with Ether.fi Cash.
