Deadlock in US-Iran Peace Talks; Navy Secretary Fired
4/23/202616 min
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) The US and Iran are locked in a battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz after failing to meet for a fresh round of peace talks, with both sides blocking the waterway to gain leverage during an extended ceasefire. The US is maintaining a naval blockade on ships going to and from Iran’s ports, which Iran calls a violation of the ceasefire, while Iran is keeping Hormuz closed to almost all other international traffic. The blockade and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have led to increased oil prices and concerns about supply shortages and a global inflation crisis
2) Navy Secretary John Phelan was fired after clashing with top leaders at the Pentagon, including over administration efforts to revive US shipbuilding. Phelan was pushed out after butting heads with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg over President Trump’s focus on a new US “Golden Fleet." Undersecretary Hung Cao will replace Phelan, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, who said Phelan was stepping down “effective immediately."
3) Tesla anticipates billions of dollars in additional spending this year to support Elon Musk’s ambitions to transform the company into an AI and robotics company. Capital expenditures this year will exceed $25 billion, roughly three times last year’s outlay, to be put toward a dramatic expansion of factory operations and initiatives such as production of its Optimus humanoid robot. The investments will support production of key products including Cybercab, Semi and an updated version of its Megapack battery storage system, with Tesla remaining on track to start making these products.
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First 90 secondsElon Musk· Soundbite0:00
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Amy Morris0:34
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Nathan Hager· Host0:37
[upbeat music] Good morning. I'm Nathan Hager.
Karen Moscow· Host0:41
And I'm Karen Moscow. Here are the stories we're following today.
Nathan Hager· Host0:45
Karen, the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has turned into a standoff over control of the crucial Strait of Hormuz. President Trump says the truce will stay in effect indefinitely until Iran comes to the table with a new peace proposal. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt says the President has no timetable.
Karoline Leavitt· Soundbite1:03
I know there's been some anonymous sourced reporting, um, that there was maybe a three to five-day deadline. That is not true. The President has not set a deadline himself. Ultimately, he will dictate the timetable.
Nathan Hager· Host1:15
Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt at the White House. For its part, Iran says it has no immediate plans to take part in negotiations. Iran's president posted on social media that the U.S. blockade and threats are main obstacles to diplomacy. Bloomberg's Jumana