Trump suspects shooters were motivated by Iran war as peace talks stall: NPR

Following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, President Trump – who was escorted from the room by the Secret Service after gunshots rang out – was asked at a press conference if he thought his war in Iran might have a motive.

The president replied, “I don’t think so, but you never know,” adding that more information about the intentions of the shooter — who is in custody — would be released when it becomes available.

Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister plans to return to Islamabad on Sunday – just a day after leaving – but has not confirmed whether he will meet US officials for possible peace talks.

According to Iranian state media, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will complete a planned visit to Oman but then return to Pakistan, which has emerged as a mediator in the conflict and has hosted previous peace talks.

Trump on Saturday canceled a planned second visit of a US negotiating team to Pakistan shortly after the Iranian foreign minister left, telling reporters he rejected a new peace proposal from Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday told Pakistan’s Prime Minister that his country will not enter into “forced negotiations” under pressure, threats or a blockade.

Here’s more news on the war in the Middle East:

Iran war mediator sent message to Trump

After the shooting incident at the correspondent’s dinner, many heads of state and officials sent good wishes to Trump. These included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

netanyahu said on x He was shocked by what he called “the attempted assassination of President @realDonaldTrump last night in Washington, DC.” We are relieved that the President and First Lady are safe and strong.

Dar kept mediating between Iran and America also posted On X.

“Deeply shocked by the cowardly shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. We are relieved that President Trump @realDonaldTrump, Vice President Vance @JDVance and the First Lady are safe,” he said.

“We strongly condemn all forms of violence which is the enemy of diplomacy and intolerable in any civilized society. Our best wishes go out to @POTUS and the American people.”

Türkiye, Oman are bent on war

According to Omani media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Oman this weekend, where he met with Sultan Haitham and discussed efforts to end the Iran war.

“His Majesty the Sultan stressed the vital importance of prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy as the primary tools to address complex issues and establish a strong foundation for lasting peace,” the Muscat Daily newspaper reported.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s Foreign Minister spoke over the phone with US negotiators, according to Turkish state media.

Fighting continues in Lebanon

Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered Israeli forces to “resolutely attack Hezbollah targets” in Lebanon.

According to President Trump, his comments late Saturday night came after the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was extended for three weeks.

But both sides are claiming attacks in recent days.

Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes in southern Lebanon, responding to what it says are threats from Hezbollah.

At least two dozen people have been killed in those attacks since the ceasefire took effect, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. These include prominent Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil, who was murdered while reporting.

Hezbollah says it fired several rounds of rockets into northern Israel in response to Israel’s ceasefire violations.

Many in Lebanon are closely following the status of US-Iran peace talks, worried that if the talks fail, war will resume here.

Kat Lonsdorf in Beirut, Jan Arraf in Amman, Jordan, Dury Bouscaren in Istanbul and Kate Bartlett in Johannesburg contributed reporting.