'Very Close, Very Far': Iran Signals Uncertainty Over US Agreement | Firstpost America | N18G

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:04]Hello and welcome to First Post America, your home for the biggest stories shaping the US and the world. I'm Kerry Johnston live from the First Post Studios. Our top story on the show today.

[00:00:15]US Secretary of State makes a high-profile visit to India, but can it ease the host's concerns over trade, Pakistan, and the West Asia conflict?

[00:00:24]Also on the program, is a temporary US-Iran peace deal finally within reach or will nuclear disputes and regional pressures derail the talks again?

[00:00:35]Iran says it shot down an Israeli-made surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz as allegations emerge over covert Chinese satellite technology reaching Tehran.

[00:00:47]And drinking in the new cola war as fizzy rivalries take an unexpectedly frothy twist.

[00:00:55]>> [music] >> India and the United States are once again trying to build momentum in a strategic partnership. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in India for a high-stakes four-day visit and the timing of his trip is important because over the past year, ties between New Delhi and Washington faced several challenges. Trump's tariffs on Indian goods, America's growing engagement with Pakistan, and the conflict in West Asia have all created fresh concerns for India. But both sides now appear keen to reset the relationship. Marco Rubio met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. And during the talks, the US Secretary of State described India as one of America's crucial partners.

[00:01:56]And a strategic partnership is when your interests as two nations are aligned and you work together strategically to solve those problems. And the list of issues that we work together with India on, the breadth of scope of them, is what highlights the fact that India is an important strategic partner of the United States, one of our most important strategic partners in the world.

[00:02:17]Pompeo also said the United States wants to expand energy sales to India.

[00:02:22]According to the US, American energy products can help India diversify its supplies. The issue has now become even more important after the Iran war disrupted global energy markets. The way we will deal with, you know, the current situation in Hormuz and frankly going forward as well.

[00:02:39]Uh which is to uh to uh diversify our energy sources because that is at the heart of our energy security.

[00:02:48]Uh and that is why we feel strongly that the energy market should not be distorted, they should not be constrained. It is important to keep uh energy prices down for global growth.

[00:03:01]Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi repeated India's support for peace and diplomacy.

[00:03:06]The Indian government said uh Modi called for a peaceful resolution of global conflicts through dialogue. Trade ties were also high on the agenda. Last year, Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods.

[00:03:19]At one point, duties touched 50%. An interim agreement later brought some relief, but a full trade deal between the two countries has yet to be finalized.

[00:03:28]Pompeo said he believes the India-US relationship will become stronger than ever by the end of the Trump administration. The US Secretary of State also delivered an invitation from President Trump for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House. Trump, too, showered praise on the Indian Prime Minister during an event celebrating 250 years of American independence.

[00:03:50]I I want to say hello to everybody.

[00:03:54]I love the Prime Minister. Modi is great. He's my friend.

[00:03:58]And I just want to say I'm very honored to be here with you and everybody. It's morning here and it's evening there.

[00:04:05]I want to say you're great and we've never been closer to India.

[00:04:09]And India can count on me 100% and our country and India and the United States are closer But even as both sides spoke of stronger ties, Pakistan remained an important undercurrent during Rubio's visit.

[00:04:24]United States has recently worked more closely with Islamabad over the Iran conflict. Pakistan has emerged as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.

[00:04:34]When asked about this, Rubio said India has always been concerned about terror groups.

[00:04:40]India's always pointing to the fact that there are armed terrorist groups operating from Pakistani territory that target India. They're always concerned about that. But as far as the role they played in as a a mediator and a facilitator in the Iran situation, that never came up. I I don't think that they would complain about that. I mean, their their their issues with Pakistan are different.

[00:04:59]US Secretary of State also spoke about the ongoing US Iran negotiations. He said a pretty solid deal is currently on the table. Reports suggest the proposal includes a ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and fresh talks of Iran's nuclear program.

[00:05:18]We're still work in progress. As I said, you know, the we thought we might have some news last night, maybe today. I wouldn't read too much into it. It takes a little while to hear back.

[00:05:27]So, we have a what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the straits, get the straits open, enter into a very real, significant, time-limited negotiation on the nuclear matters.

[00:05:40]And hopefully we can pull it off. It has a lot of support in the Gulf.

[00:05:44]Well, during his visit, Rubio was also asked about racist comments targeting Indians and Indian Americans in the United States. He responded by saying every country has stupid people who make offensive comments, but he strongly defended America's record as a welcoming country for immigrants. Rubio said Indians have made enormous contributions to American society. He also announced a new America first visa scheduling tool.

[00:06:10]The system will prioritize business professionals and people who help strengthen economic ties with US.

[00:06:17]Rubio said a faster and more efficient visa process is important for the growing India-US partnership. He'll now attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting in India. And despite differences over trade, Pakistan and global conflicts, both countries continue to see each other as key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

[00:06:38]Well, for more on this, we have with us Bill Drexel, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, live from Washington, D.C. Welcome to the program. How do you view then the importance of the India-US relationship in economic and political terms?

[00:06:55]I think there are fewer, more important relationships really for this century.

[00:07:00]Um both countries, I mean, a big part of this, of course, is the rise of China, uh which has uh strategic implications for both countries.

[00:07:09]Uh but at the end of the day, you know, we're seeing a a certain sort of economic readjustment in terms of how the United States is thinking about uh offshoring, reshoring, friend-shoring, but ultimately, Indian scale uh is essential for the United States. And we've seen over the last few decades that um the people-to-people ties, Indian Americans, have been tremendously productive for American industries. So, both politically um and economically, I think this relationship is set to continue to rise.

[00:07:43]And on the subject of economics, then, what about trade issues? Can there be a wide-ranging and lasting agreement to prevent the toing and froing we've seen in recent times?

[00:07:56]Yeah, I think I mean, it seems like they have been we've been moving toward a trade agreement for quite some time.

[00:08:05]Ultimately, uh India realizes and the United States realizes that this relationship is just too important uh to to fail to reach some sort of agreement.

[00:08:20]Uh so, I think we're we should be optimistic. Uh that said, you know, we we've been told that a deal is imminent for many months, so I don't think we should be too optimistic on timing.

[00:08:31]Uh but an ultimate resolution, I think, is in the cards. Both both nations realize it's necessary. It's it's deeply in their interests. Um so, I think we can look forward to that. And of course, a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is important for many countries in the world, including India.

[00:08:51]Yes.

[00:08:52]Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I think Look, when uh the president started this military operation uh in Iran, I don't think that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, obviously, was part of the plans.

[00:09:07]Uh I think the world has been surprised at how this has unfolded, but there's no doubt that the United States understands the vital importance of the Strait of Hormuz for India and for other partners in the region.

[00:09:19]Uh the energy flows make it indispensable.

[00:09:23]Uh and I'm sure that this administration's um kind of plan is to come up with a peace that's durable uh and that does not create a looming energy threat for all of its partners uh around the region.

[00:09:39]Bill Drexel, thank you very much indeed for joining us. We appreciate it.

[00:09:43]Thank you.

[00:09:49]After months of conflict, the United States and Iran may finally be moving towards a temporary agreement. But even as talks continue, both sides are warning that a final deal is still far away. And now China and Pakistan are taking a more active role in the diplomatic efforts.

[00:10:05]President Donald Trump says he's told his negotiators not to rush into a deal with Iran. This comes just days after Trump claimed that an agreement had been largely negotiated. Well, now the proposed understanding is reportedly not a final peace deal. Instead, it's a temporary framework designed to reduce tensions and keep talks going. The plan reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and fresh negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. On the other hand, Iran is also sending mixed signals. A foreign ministry spokesperson said both sides are very close and very far from an agreement.

[00:10:45]The focus of the negotiations is on ending the war. And at this stage, we are not talking about the details of the nuclear issue.

[00:10:53]But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent, no one can make such a claim for the same reasons you mentioned yourself.

[00:11:01]Because policy making and decision making in America have become caught in a kind of institutionalized instability.

[00:11:11]Iran, meanwhile, still says it will continue to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and says it may still charge fees, but does not describe them as tolls.

[00:11:24]We do not collect tolls. There is no toll. In my opinion, one should be careful in the choice of words. We are not looking to collect tolls. Naturally, in the course of this process, certain services are provided, such as navigational services and the necessary measures to protect the environment of the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman.

[00:11:48]These involve costs that must be collected. They should not be described as tolls or duties.

[00:11:58]Tehran also insists its nuclear program is peaceful. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country is ready to assure the world that it does not want a nuclear weapon. Several reports also suggest that the hardest issues have been delayed for later talks. These include US sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and demands for Iran to limit its uranium enrichment.

[00:12:22]Before the war, Iran was believed to have a large stockpile of highly enriched uranium, raising fears that it could move closer to developing a nuclear bomb. Israel has made it clear it wants any final agreement to completely remove that threat.

[00:12:38]We share common objectives, and the most important objective is the removal of enriched material from Iran, all of the enriched material, and the dismantling of Iran's enrichment capabilities.

[00:12:50]President Trump believes he can achieve this one way or another. However, we are prepared for any scenario, and that is the directive I have given to the IDF and our security agencies as well.

[00:13:02]Israel is stronger than ever. Iran and its proxies are weaker than ever.

[00:13:08]Well, the possible deal has also divided Republicans in the United States.

[00:13:12]Senator Ted Cruz called it a disastrous mistake. Another senior Republican, Roger Wicker, warned that a ceasefire could undo the impact of the US-led military operation against Iran. But some Republicans support the talks.

[00:13:26]Congressman Mike Lawler said the pressure campaign had forced Iran into real negotiations.

[00:13:33]Meanwhile, Pakistan and China becoming more involved in diplomatic efforts linked to the West Asia crisis.

[00:13:40]Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir are currently in Beijing for high-level talks with Chinese leaders.

[00:13:49]Munir recently visited Tehran as part of Pakistan's diplomatic outreach. Pakistan also hosted direct talks between US and Iranian officials last month where the discussions ended without a major breakthrough. China, meanwhile, has maintained a relatively lower public profile. However, Beijing says it's coordinating with Pakistan in efforts aimed at supporting peace and stability in West Asia.

[00:14:16]So, for now, the ceasefire is holding.

[00:14:19]Oil prices have fallen slightly on hopes of a deal, but major questions still remain unanswered. The future of Iran's nuclear program, the status of US sanctions, and the long-term security of the Gulf region. A lot depends on whether these fragile talks can turn into a lasting agreement.

[00:14:39]Also to come on the program, the [music] fizzy civil war between Diet Coke and Coke Zero loyalists. But is it more than just froth?

[00:14:51]Iran's state-affiliated Mehr News Agency has reported that Iranian air defense forces shot down a surveillance drone over Hormozgan province in southern Iran. The drone was identified as a reconnaissance drone manufactured by the Israeli firm Aeronautics.

[00:15:08]The Orbiter is designed for surveillance and real-time intelligence gathering.

[00:15:12]Well, the report comes as the US President Trump he said on Saturday that a US-Iran peace agreement is close to being finalized.

[00:15:22]An agreement has been largely negotiated subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other countries as listed. Separately, I had a call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of Israel, which likewise went very well.

[00:15:42]Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed and will be announced shortly.

[00:15:49]Iranian forces recover the wreckage of the drone with assistance from naval units operating in the province.

[00:15:55]Hormozgan is Iran's southernmost province. It sits directly on the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway through which roughly 20% of the world's oil and gas normally passes every day. Iranian military infrastructure in this province includes naval bases, missile positions, and Coast Guard operations.

[00:16:14]But this drone incident is not the only story emerging from Iran this week.

[00:16:18]According to a report from the Financial Times, Iran used a UAE-based company to secretly acquire Chinese military satellite technology in 2025. The shipment included a large Chinese-made satellite antenna and related communications equipment, technology that can improve long-distance military communications and support drone operations. And these were the same drones and missiles Iran then fired at the UAE. The report states that the equipment departed China in August before arriving at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, where it was later transferred onto an Iranian vessel headed to Iran. But it's the shipping route used during the journey that's now attracting fresh scrutiny. According to shipping tracking records, the Iranian ship transmitted misleading location data during its journey, so the vessel was broadcasting one set of coordinates while actually traveling through a different area.

[00:17:17]The report emerges amid growing international concern over China's alleged role in providing technology that could eventually support Iranian military programs. Beijing has previously denied supplying military equipment to Iran.

[00:17:33]China has always adopted a cautious and responsible attitude towards the export of military items, implementing strict controls in accordance with its own export control laws and regulations, and its international obligations. We oppose baseless smears or malicious association.

[00:17:51]The UAE has for years been a major hub for global trade and shipping across West Asia. It's free trade zones draw companies from across the world and process vast amounts of cargo each year.

[00:18:03]Well, as of April 2026, the UAE had intercepted more than 500 ballistic missiles and more than 2,000 drone attacks fired from Iran.

[00:18:15]So, tensions still high between Iran, Israel, and the United States, and sensitive negotiations continuing behind closed doors.

[00:18:22]The incident is likely to add fresh pressure to an already volatile security situation in West Asia.

[00:18:33]And now, our final story today. For decades, the world of fizzy drinks had a clear battlefield. It was cola versus cola, red cans versus blue cans, Coca-Cola versus Pepsi. But, somewhere along the way, the soda wars turned inward. Now, the fiercest conflict in the soft drinks universe is happening within the Coca-Cola family itself. And it's bubbling over with judgment, loyalty, and truckloads of caffeine-fueled passion. Here's our report.

[00:19:06]Welcome to the strange carbonated civil war between Diet Coke and Coke Zero drinkers.

[00:19:12]To outsiders, the difference may seem microscopic.

[00:19:16]Both are sugar-free. Both come in black and red packaging. Both promise guilt-free cola satisfaction.

[00:19:23]Yet among loyalists, these drinks might as well belong to entirely different species.

[00:19:30]Diet Coke devotees speak about their beverage [music] with the reverence of wine critics.

[00:19:36]Even when there was a shortage of Diet Coke due to the Iran war crisis, loyalists did not leave their cans.

[00:19:45]So, basically, this is our way of an ode to the entire shortage of Diet Coke. So, people over here have gathered together.

[00:19:53]They're bedazzling the Diet Coke cans.

[00:19:55]Some of them are also doing a vintage art pop canvas painting. And we also have Diet Coke t-shirts, where basically they're basically bedazzling them with rhinestones or just painting over it and making their own. So, this is their way of becoming a part of the Diet Coke culture.

[00:20:13]Coke Zero loyalists, meanwhile, treat Diet Coke like a failed science experiment that somehow [music] escaped the lab. And social media is proof of these narratives.

[00:20:25]The rivalry is not just online noise, either. Here is what the numbers say.

[00:20:31]According to Coca-Cola's Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings report, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar recorded strong growth, rising 13% in the fourth quarter and 14% across the full year.

[00:20:44]In comparison, Diet Coke or Coca-Cola Light grew by only 2% during the quarter and showed no growth overall for the year.

[00:20:54]That growth is especially remarkable considering Coke Zero has existed for more than [music] two decades. But experts say the brand truly transformed after a 2017 recipe change that made it taste even closer to the original Coca-Cola. Around the same time, it was rebranded as Coke Zero Sugar.

[00:21:14]Marketing experts say the two drinks represent [music] entirely different lifestyles.

[00:21:20]An expert states that Diet Coke built its image around fashion, media professionals, and urban culture.

[00:21:27]It became the drink of busy office workers, magazine editors, and people who somehow survive on caffeine and ambition alone.

[00:21:35]I like the taste.

[00:21:37]I like the taste. Like if you put uh some ice and then you squeeze a lemon and then you have the Diet Coke, it's better than like almost any drink, like even better than alcohol.

[00:21:48]It's very tasty.

[00:21:50]Coke Zero, however, positioned itself differently. It leaned into the classic Coca-Cola image of barbecues, baseball games, and everyday Americana, just [music] without the sugar.

[00:22:02]Importantly, Coke Zero also avoided the word diet, a move that helped attract consumers who dislike the stigma often attached to diet [music] products, especially male consumers.

[00:22:15]In the end, perhaps the real winner is not Diet Coke or Coke Zero, it is the glorious absurdity of modern consumer culture, where people can transform a sugar-free soft drink into a full-blown personality trait [music] complete with tribal loyalty, existential outrage, and enough fizz to fill [music] an entire aisle of vending machines.

[00:22:38]That's it on the show today. We'll be back tomorrow. Thanks for watching.

[00:22:41]Bye-bye.

[00:23:19]>> Mhm.