Iran uranium recovery will be long and difficult: Trump Trump said the United States obtaining uranium from Iran would be "long" and "difficult" in the aftermath of last year's US strikes on Tehran's nuclear sites."Operation Midnight Hammer was a complete and total obliteration of the Nuclear Dust sites in Iran," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding: "Therefore, digging it out will be a long and difficult process."The US leader regularly uses the term "nuclear dust" to refer to Iran's stock of enriched uranium, which the United States accuses Iran of hoarding in order to make an atomic bomb.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Iran calls for release of vessel seized by US forcesUS forces patrol Arabian Sea after seizure of M/V Touska Iran has called for the immediate release of a cargo vessel seized by US forces, condemning the operation as a violation of international law.In a statement published on Tuesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry demanded the “immediate release of the Iranian vessel, its sailors, crew and their families” following the seizure of the ship Touska.The US Navy reportedly fired on and seized the Iranian-flagged vessel on Sunday after it attempted to breach a US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman, according to President Donald Trump. Military footage showed a guided-missile destroyer engaging the ship, followed by Marines descending from helicopters to board it.Iran described the incident as “extremely dangerous” and “criminal”, warning it would respond to protect its national interests and citizens.“There is no doubt that the Islamic Republic of Iran will use all its capacities to defend Iran’s national interests and security,” the ministry said, adding that “full responsibility for any further escalation lies with the United States.”Trump lashes out at US media over Iran coverageTrump has again criticised US media over coverage of last year’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, using Truth Social to attack CNN and other outlets.He described “Operation Midnight Hammer” as a “complete and total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear facilities, saying recovery would be “a long and difficult process”.Trump accused CNN and other networks of failing to credit US pilots, claiming they “demean and belittle” their work.In earlier posts, he said the US was “winning” against Iran “by a lot”, but claimed coverage from major newspapers distorted the situation.He also alleged media reporting was confusing the “enemy” and insisted, “it’s not going to happen, because I’m in charge.”Donald Trump Operation Midnight Hammer was a complete and total obliteration of the Nuclear Dust sites in Iran.

Therefore, digging it out will be a long and difficult process. Fake News CNN, and other corrupt Media Networks and Platforms, fail to give our great aviators the credit they deserve - Always trying to demean and belittle - LOSERS!!!US says 27 vessels redirectedUS Central Command said American forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to Iranian ports since the blockade of Iranian maritime routes began last week.According to the military statement, the measure targets ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal waters, as tensions continue to escalate in the region.Since the commencement of the blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, U.S. forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port. pic.twitter.com/G8dl96wN4H— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2026 White House: Iran will see ‘amazing’ results under Trump dealA deal with Iran under Trump would unlock a broader security framework that benefits not just Israel and the Middle East, but also Europe, the United States and other regions tied to energy, trade and shipping stability, the White House argues in a post.Make no mistake, President Trump won't drag the United States into another disastrous deal with Iran."If a Deal happens under “TRUMP,” it will guarantee Peace, Security, and Safety, not only for Israel and the Middle East, but for Europe, America, and everywhere else." -… pic.twitter.com/GtQ7zQXyLy— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2026 Iran to show 'new cards on battlefield' if war resumesIran's parliament speaker said his country has been "preparing to show new cards on the battlefield" against the United States, if fighting resumes following a two-week ceasefire."By imposing a blockade and violating the ceasefire, Trump wants to turn this negotiating table into a surrender table or justify renewed hostilities, as he sees fit," said Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who headed the Iranian delegation to previous talks in Pakistan."We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the last two weeks we have been preparing to show new cards on the battlefield," he wrote on X.US ‘winning’ against Iran, Trump says before talksUS President Donald Trump has claimed late on Monday that the US is in a "strong pos