Start Here Who is Trump Negotiating With?
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Mar 31, 2026 Peter Harlambos, ABC reporter on legal and federal policy, breaks down deposition footage about DOGE grant cuts. Shannon Kingston, ABC State Department reporter, explains the Russian tanker delivery to Cuba and U.S. blockade choices. Matt Rivers, ABC correspondent in Doha, reports on Middle East negotiations and maritime risks near Bab al-Mandeb. Multiple short conversations explore who is negotiating and why key routes matter.
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Unclear Channels Behind US Iran Talks
- The U.S. claims it is negotiating with a different set of Iranian leaders while Tehran publicly denies direct talks.
- Matt Rivers explains Pakistan is relaying messages and both sides publicly state incompatible red lines on nukes, reparations, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthis Threaten A Second Strategic Chokepoint
- The Houthis could close the Bab el-Mandeb strait and magnify global shipping and fertilizer disruptions already seen at Hormuz.
- Matt Rivers notes Bab el-Mandeb handles about 12% of seaborne oil and spring fertilizer shipments, risking long-term food price and scarcity effects.
Russia Tests US Blockade With Cuban Oil Delivery
- The U.S. blockade on Cuban oil was softened when a Russian tanker delivered 730,000 barrels for humanitarian reasons.
- Shannon Kingston reports the Anatoly Kolodkin passage tested the blockade and was allowed as a one-off to avoid immediate confrontation with Russia.