Velshi U.S.-Iran Talks Begin in Pakistan
Apr 11, 2026
Summer Lopez, Co-CEO of PEN America, defends literature and cultural heritage under threat. Yassamin Ansari, U.S. Representative with ties to Iran, speaks on the high-stakes U.S.-Iran talks and human rights concerns. They discuss risks to Iranian culture, freedom of expression, internet access, and the diplomatic negotiations unfolding in Islamabad.
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Lebanon And Hormuz Are Key Bargaining Levers
- Israel's continued strikes in Lebanon complicate U.S.-Iran negotiations because Iran links Lebanese peace to any settlement with the U.S.
- Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz has become its primary bargaining chip, including charging tolls for passage.
War-Borne Energy Shock Pushed Inflation Up
- The war has driven sharp energy price spikes that pushed U.S. annualized inflation to 3.3% in March.
- Gasoline rose 21% in a month, the largest single-month jump since 1967, raising national economic stress.
Congresswoman Shares Personal Concern About Escalation
- Yassamin Ansari, who has personal ties to Iran, said Trump's apocalyptic tweet made her fear for civilians and supported calls for his removal.
- She argued the bombing campaign risked entrenching the Islamic Republic by fueling nationalist backlash and propaganda.
