U.S. Defense Secretary: America Not Rushing to Sign Peace Agreement with Iran
¬· Pentagon awards $196.5 million contract for overseas nuclear submarine project
¬· White House: Trump to extend exemption for foreign cargo ships transporting oil to the U.S. by 90 days
¬· U.S. Defense Secretary: Europe Needs the Strait of Hormuz More Than the U.S.
¬ Iran Foreign Minister to Begin Visits to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia on April 24
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Pentagon chief Hegseth stated that the United States is not in a rush to sign a peace agreement with Iran.
Hegseth told reporters: "President Trump reiterated yesterday that we have plenty of time and are not in a hurry to conclude any deal."
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U.S. military announced that General Dynamics has secured a $196.5 million contract to develop a nuclear submarine project for an unnamed foreign country.
The Pentagon’s published contract does not specify which nation will be involved in the project. Meanwhile, Australia’s ABC television reported that the contract is part of the AUKUS defense cooperation initiative involving Australia, the UK, and the U.S., adding that payments under the agreement will be made by Australia to the U.S. via AUKUS.
The Pentagon said: "General Dynamics Electric Boats has been awarded a $196.55 million contract under the defense articles export framework to provide engineering support, design, and technology transfer for the nuclear submarine program."
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White House deputy press secretary Rogers said on April 24 that President Trump will extend the temporary exemption allowing foreign vessels to transport oil between U.S. ports by 90 days to accelerate oil delivery.
On March 18, Trump signed a 60-day exemption related to this measure.
Rogers posted on social media platform X: "President Trump has extended the suspension of enforcement of the Jones Act—which requires only U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, and U.S.-owned vessels to transport goods between American ports—for another 90 days."
The Jones Act was passed in 1920 to regulate maritime trade within U.S. waters, mandating that all cargo transported between U.S. ports must be carried by vessels built in the U.S., flying the U.S. flag, and owned by U.S. citizens.
This measure will allow the use of cheaper foreign tankers to transport goods, including moving oil from the Gulf Coast to refineries along the U.S. East Coast, as well as delivering fuel to the most densely populated regions of the United States.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that as the U.S. intensifies pressure on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has become more critical for Europe and Asia than for the United States.
He stated that the U.S. has "all the time in the world" for negotiations, while warning Iran that it must either accept a nuclear deal or continue facing economic and military pressure. Hegseth added that the U.S. blockade is expanding and "moving toward global reach."
He also noted that President Donald Trump has authorized the U.S. Navy to strike any Iranian vessels attempting to lay mines or disrupt shipping in the strait's waters.
Hegseth emphasized that Europe has enjoyed U.S. protection for decades, and given its greater dependence on Gulf energy flows, Europe should play a larger role in securing the safety of this vital waterway.
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According to Iran’s IRNA news agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will begin a visit to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia on April 24.
The report stated: "Abbas Araghchi will travel from Friday evening to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow."
He said that during the visit, Iranian officials will hold a series of bilateral consultations discussing developments in the region and the ongoing conflict between the U.S./Israel and Iran.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1863368657087556/
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