00:02This morning, diplomatic efforts are picking up as the U.S. blockades the Strait of Hormuz.
00:08Multiple countries are now stepping in, trying to jumpstart talks before the current ceasefire
00:13runs out. China is openly pushing back on the U.S. blockade. A foreign ministry spokesperson
00:19called it dangerous and irresponsible. And President Xi Jinping says Beijing will play
00:25what he calls a constructive role, laying out a four-point plan focused on sovereignty,
00:31security and regional stability. Pakistan is also moving to host another round of talks
00:36between the United States and Iran before the ceasefire expires next week. The first round
00:42in Islamabad ran 21 hours and ended without a deal. Vice President J.D. Vance said on Fox News
00:48Channel's special report there was some progress, but Iran is still not agreeing to give up its
00:54nuclear program. President United States has said he would be very happy if Iran was treated like a
01:01normal country, if it had a normal economy, if its people were able to prosper and thrive.
01:06But in order for Iran to be a normal country economically, it's going to have to be a normal
01:11country from the perspective of not pursuing a nuclear weapon. And it's going to have to be a
01:15normal country from not pursuing terrorism. The U.S. has proposed a long-term pause on uranium
01:20enrichment, reportedly at least 20 years. The New York Times says Iran countered with a shorter
01:26window, up to five years, and that offer was rejected. Meanwhile, oil prices are easing as
01:32markets watch for signs these talks could move forward. U.S. crude fell about 1.7 percent early
01:39Tuesday to around $97 a barrel. Brent crude dropped just under 1 percent to about $98.
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