United States (US) President Donald Trump said an apparent assassination attempt during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington would not alter his policy on the conflict with Iran.
Speaking after the shooting incident on Sunday, April 26, Trump said investigators had found no immediate evidence linking the suspect to Tehran and described the attacker as a possible “lone wolf”.
“It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran,” Trump said, adding that authorities were still investigating the motive behind the attack.
The shooting occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, where Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and other senior officials were escorted from the venue after gunfire was reported near a security checkpoint.
Authorities later said the suspect had been taken into custody. Trump thanked law enforcement officers for their response and said all senior officials were safe.
Iran rejects talks under pressure
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Tehran would not enter negotiations under pressure, threats or blockade, according to Iranian state-linked media.
Pezeshkian said the United States must first remove what he described as operational obstacles, including restrictions on Iranihĥan ports, before any diplomatic process could begin.
US intercepts vessel linked to Iran trade
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it intercepted a commercial vessel in the Arabian Sea that it accused of attempting to breach sanctions on Iran.
CENTCOM said the ship, identified as Sevan, was part of a so-called shadow fleet allegedly used to transport Iranian oil and gas to overseas markets.
A US Navy helicopter from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney escorted the vessel after interception.
Israel backs diplomacy with warning to Hezbollah
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon said he supported diplomatic efforts and direct negotiations with Lebanon.
However, he said Israel would not allow Hezbollah militants backed by Tehran to continue attacks on its citizens or destabilise the region.
Iran executes Jaish al-Adl convict
Iran executed a man convicted of belonging to the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl, according to Tasnim news agency.
Authorities identified the man as Amer Ramesh and said he had been arrested in southeastern Iran during a counterterrorism operation and convicted over bombings and ambushes targeting security forces.
