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Man arrested for allegedly threatening to kill JD Vance was in possession of child sexual abuse materials: DOJ
A man who was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance was also found with child sexual abuse materials, according to the Justice Department (DOJ).
Shannon Mathre, 33, of Toledo, Ohio, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of threatening to kill Vance during the vice president's visit to Northwest Ohio in January, the DOJ said.
Mathre is accused of saying, "I am going to find out where he (the vice president) is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun and kill him." The DOJ did not give specific details about when or where the threat was made. However, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a news release that, "You can hide behind a screen, but you cannot hide from this Department of Justice," suggesting the threat could have been made online.
"Our attorneys are vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President Vance," Bondi said.
SECRET SERVICE AWARE OF UMASS LOWELL-FUNDED RADIO DJ’S DIRECTIVE TO ‘KILL JD VANCE’
The U.S. Secret Service arrested Mathre on Feb. 6. A federal grand jury has since returned an indictment charging Mathre with making the threat against Vance.
While investigating the threats, federal agents found "multiple digital files of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM)" in Mathre's possession, according to prosecutors. Subsequently, the grand jury also charged that "from about Dec. 31, 2025, to Jan. 21, 2026," Mathre engaged in the receipt and distribution of CSAM.
"While arresting this man for allegedly threatening to murder the Vice President of the United States, a serious crime in and of itself, federal law enforcement discovered that he was also in possession of child sexual abuse materials," said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Thank you to federal, state and local partners in working together to bring justice twofold to this depraved individual."
David Toepfer, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, said "violent threats" such as the one made against Vance would "not be tolerated." He vowed that those who make these threats "will face swift justice and prosecution."
Mathre made his initial court appearance on Feb. 6, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Ohio, the DOJ said, adding that he remains in custody until his detention hearing, which is set to take place on Feb. 11.
If found guilty, Mathre faces up to five years in prison and a maximum statutory fine of $250,000 for the threat against Vance, according to the DOJ. Additionally, if found guilty on the CSAM charge, Mathre could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison and given a statutory fine of up to $250,000.
ATTORNEY FOR SUSPECT IN VANCE HOME VANDALISM RULES OUT POSSIBLE MOTIVATION
Vance faced multiple death threats and had his Ohio home vandalized last month.
William DeFoor, 26, was arrested in early January in connection with the vandalism of Vance's home. DeFoor was booked on charges of vandalism, obstruction of official business, criminal damaging or endangering, and criminal trespass.
"I appreciate everyone's well wishes about the attack at our home. As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows. I'm grateful to the secret service and the Cincinnati police for responding quickly. We weren't even home as we had returned already to D.C.," Vance wrote on X.
In another January incident, Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, of Anaheim, was also arrested after allegedly making multiple threatening comments on Disney’s official Instagram account referencing pipe bombs, imminent bloodshed and violent action against "corrupt politicians" on July 12, the same day Vance and his family were visiting and staying at the resort.
Additionally, Fox News Digital reported exclusively that a volunteer radio show host resigned after authorities confirmed they are aware of a post threatening Vance on left-wing-dominated social media app Bluesky. The person identified themselves as a host of a radio show on WUML, which is funded by the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.
The university told Fox News Digital that it alerted authorities once it became aware of the post. Secret Service confirmed to Fox News Digital that it was aware of the post. The Haverhill Police Department directed Fox News Digital to the FBI, which declined to comment.
Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace, Alexandra Koch and Peter D'Abrosca and Fox News' Matt Finn contributed to this report.
Boxing great Mike Tyson discusses health turnaround, junk food past and Trump relationship
On Sunday, football fans tuning in for the Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will also get a first look at an ad featuring a well-known professional boxer.
Legendary boxer Mike Tyson, long known as "the baddest man on the planet," joined Fox News Channel’s "Jesse Watters Primetime" Friday night to discuss his personal health journey.
"I would get up in the morning and I would eat a lot of nothing, Captain Crunch cereal … probably two giant bowls of that for breakfast. And then later on that day, I may go get some ice cream. I would just eat a bunch of junk food when I'm at my worst. Just junk food, drinking … disastrous. It wasn't good back then for me. A lot of my friends … my wife didn't think I would make it to 60."
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When asked what steps he took to get his health on track, Tyson replied: "I first started walking 10 minutes a day… I started walking 10 mins up to an hour. Then I stopped eating everything. (The) only thing I started eating was tomato soup and rice and water."
The former undisputed heavyweight world champion highlighted the importance of taking care of the physical body. "We've only got one body. And we have one chance to really indulge in it. So I wanted to be in the best shape possible."
Tyson has experienced health issues in the past. Shortly before landing on a flight to Los Angeles in summer 2024 ahead of his high-profile bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, he received medical attention. However, medical personnel recommended that Tyson only engage in "minimal to light training over the next few weeks" at the time.
ANTHONY JOSHUA KNOCKS OUT JAKE PAUL IN BOXING SPECTACLE
"During a follow-up consultation on Thursday with medical professionals regarding his recent ulcer flare-up, the recommendation is for Mike Tyson to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training with no limitations," a statement released in late May 2024 read.
The event was originally scheduled for July but was postponed to November 2024. Paul ultimately defeated Tyson by unanimous decision. While the bout reportedly drew a record audience, the stream was marred by widespread technical issues.
Before the 2024 bout, Tyson had not fought competitively since his 2005 TKO loss to Kevin McBride. He returned briefly in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in July 2020.
Tyson said he looks forward to getting back in the ring, adding he wants to go head-to-head with Floyd Mayweather Jr. "We're going to make it happen on April 25th … around that time somewhere."
While Tyson competed in the heavyweight category and Mayweather won titles in multiple weight classes, none exceeded the 154-pound junior middleweight limit. Mayweather's last official victory in a sanctioned bout came in 2017 against MMA star Conor McGregor.
Tyson's relationship with President Donald Trump dates back decades. Tyson credited Trump for pushing him to compete in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
"That was just a great idea when he decided to have me fight in Atlantic City ... I just didn't like Atlantic City back then. I just wasn't an Atlantic City person, and he made me an Atlantic City person ... I even moved there one time. I lived there for a few years."
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Country star Gavin Adcock backs Kid Rock's patriotic alternative to Super Bowl halftime show
Country singer Gavin Adcock is standing firmly with Kid Rock and Turning Point USA as the conservative group rolls out its own "alternative" Super Bowl halftime show — offering fans a choice outside the NFL’s official entertainment.
When Fox News Digital asked about Turning Point USA hosting a competing halftime event featuring Kid Rock and other country performers, Adcock made his support clear.
"Yeah, I mean, I support whatever they want to do. I'm going to be at the game. I'm going to have to watch the other Super Bowl halftime. But I love Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, all those people. So, everybody's going to have a good time wherever they're at," Adcock said.
KID ROCK SAYS TPUSA’S ALTERNATE HALFTIME SHOW IS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE JESUS AND AMERICA
The alternative show comes as backlash continues to swirl around the NFL’s halftime programming – Bad Bunny, who has been critical of both President Donald Trump and ICE, will be headlining the official halftime show.
Kid Rock has framed the Turning Point USA event as an option for people who "love America, love football, love good music, love Jesus."
WATCH: GAVIN ADCOCK BACKS KID ROCK, TURNING POINT USA'S ALTERNATIVE SUPER BOWL SHOW
Adcock, who transitioned into music after an athletic career, said the collision of sports and entertainment during Super Bowl weekend feels natural.
"I think it’s awesome. I was an athlete at one point in my life until 2021. I fell right into music. So a lot of people in music came from athletic backgrounds. And that’s how they got their hard work and climbed," he told Fox News Digital.
HOW TO WATCH THE TURNING POINT USA ALTERNATE HALFTIME SHOW
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The country singer kicked off Super Bowl weekend at EA Sports Presents Madden Bowl, a flagship fan event tied to Super Bowl LX week on Friday at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
As Super Bowl festivities take over California, Adcock is using the moment to expand his audience.
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"I've just never played in California too much. I've hit one tour over here and just spread my music to a bunch of people that maybe never heard it before — having a few drinks, having a good time and watching the Super Bowl."
The "Run Your Mouth" crooner added this weekend also marked a milestone for the country singer — his first Super Bowl appearance.
"Well, this is my first Super Bowl I’m ever going to, and I’m blessed to get some high-dollar tickets and I hope the Seahawks beat the Patriots a--."
Spencer Pratt admits he blackmailed his own father as a kid: ‘I milked that tape like a dairy farm’
Spencer Pratt is pulling back the curtain on how he embraced his role as one of reality TV's most notorious villains.
The 42-year-old became a household name when he starred in the hit reality series "The Hills" from 2006 to 2010. In his new memoir "The Guy You Loved To Hate: Confessions From A Reality TV Villain," Pratt detailed how he carefully cultivated his troublemaker persona in pursuit of fame and fortune and revealed that he developed his scheming skills from a young age.
Early in the book, Pratt drew comparisons between himself and his father, William "Skip" Pratt, who aspired to become a professional baseball player but shifted his career goals to dentistry after admitting that he lacked the top-level talent to make it to the major leagues.
SPENCER PRATT AND HEIDI MONTAG SUE THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES, LADWP AFTER PALISADES FIRE
"I inherited that adaptability from him — the ability to pivot, to reinvent, to find new angles when the first plan doesn’t work. When one door closes, we just find another one to kick open," Pratt wrote. "The difference is people light up when they see my father coming."
"They trust him with their mouths, their kids’ cavities, their family dental emergencies," he continued. "He's the guy everyone wants at their dinner party."
"Me? Well, I’m guessing you’ve read the title of this book. ‘The Guy You Loved to Hate.’ Yeah. Different skill sets."
Pratt later recalled that he was 12-years-old when he seized an opportunity to blackmail his father for years. The TV personality wrote that, as a child, he became a huge fan of the James Bond movies but found he identified more with the movie villains than 007 himself.
"Sometimes, it seemed like being the bad guy might be even more interesting than being the hero himself," Pratt noted.
Pratt remembered that the opportunity presented itself following an incident involving his half-sister Kristin from his mother Janet Pratt's first marriage. In addition to Pratt, Skip and Janet are parents to daughter Stephanie, who also starred on "The Hills."
"I was twelve when I first put my 007 training into practice," Pratt wrote. "It was a summer afternoon, and I was kicking a soccer ball around the living room. Kristin strolled in just as I unleashed this rocket, and bam, the ball smashed into her face."
"She immediately called our parents, who were out at the Jonathan Beach Club," he continued. "‘Spencer broke my nose!’ she wailed. (Her nose was, in fact, fine.) She hung up. A few minutes later, the phone rang. No one answered it."
"The machine clicked on—one of those old-school boxes that announced your family drama at full volume to everyone in a three-room radius," Pratt wrote. "It was Dad, and he wasn’t just pissed. He was DEFCON 1. ‘SPENCER PRATT! WHAT IN GOD’S NAME HAVE YOU DONE?! YOUR SISTER’S NOSE IS BROKEN, YOU LITTLE S---! WHEN I GET HOME, YOU’RE GOING TO WISH YOU WERE NEVER BORN!’
"He said other things that would definitely violate his Hippocratic oath. My chill surfer-dentist dad had transformed into Jack Nicholson in ‘The Shining,’ and it was all on tape. That’s when my twelve-year-old brain experienced its first devious epiphany."
Pratt noted that he took action after realizing that the voicemail could prove damaging to his father's reputation.
"On my Home Alone 2 Talkboy cassette tape recorder, I made twelve copies of Dad’s meltdown," he recalled. "Then I waited until the time was right. For when I really needed them."
"Weeks later, I deployed," he continued. "Standing in front of my parents like a tiny mob boss, I cleared my throat, showing them just one copy of the tape. I popped it in my Talkboy, hit play, and smiled."
"What if Grandpa Bill heard this? What if your patients heard this? The dental board? What if I accidentally left this at school?"
"‘Give me that, Spencer,’ my dad said, furious.
"‘Sure, but there’s more where this one came from.’"
"His anger soon gave way to amusement as he realized his preteen son had unlocked his first hustle."
"I milked that tape like a dairy farm," Pratt recalled.
"New bike? ‘Remember the recording.’"
"Movie tickets? ‘About that tape . . .’"
Earlier in the memoir, Pratt had recounted how Skip grew up in Inglewood, California and was raised by a father who was "notoriously frugal."
"My father was built different, though," Pratt wrote. "Where Grandpa Bill saw limits, Skip saw opportunities. He wasn’t just buying into the American dream — he was convinced it was written for him."
Pratt noted that Skip was determined to build wealth and embarked on a lucrative side gig when he began selling dental gold after learning that it was undervalued by 30%.
"Within a month, Dad had unlocked a whole new revenue stream," Pratt recalled. "He’d be up at 5 a.m. driving downtown, pulling up behind Mahmoud’s Gold Exchange on Hill Street with a briefcase full of dental gold, then walking out with straight cash."
"This wasn’t just entrepreneurial hustle; Skip was building something larger than a dental practice. Constructing a life that would prove his father's scarcity mindset wrong. Stacking money for a beach house dream and family gold."
The "Celebrity Big Brother" alum explained that rather than disapproving of Pratt's blackmailing scheme, he recognized that he and his son shared the same entrepreneurial spirit. Pratt noted that every time he used the tape against Skip, he would see "a glint of pride in my dad’s eyes."
"Game recognizes game," he wrote. "Chip off the old block."
"His approval wasn’t for my being good or well-behaved; it was for my being clever, strategic, effective," Pratt added.
"That tape became my first master class in power—not the kind you’re born with, but the kind you create."
"Or, as Dr. No once said, ‘World domination. Same old dream.’"
In "The Guy You Loved to Hate," Pratt provided an unvarnished look at the highs and lows of his life. Pratt detailed how he was able to transform himself from an ambitious outsider to one of reality’s most infamous figures by "infiltrating" "The Hills" and deliberately stirring up controversy on the show. He recounted how he and his wife and "The Hills" co-star Heidi Montag worked together to create the tabloid phenomenon known as "Speidi," dominating headlines and earning them millions.
However, Pratt also revealed maintaining his antagonist persona took a personal toll, leading to mental health struggles, financial ruin and ostracization from Hollywood. The father of two chronicled how he and Montag were able to rebuild their lives by focusing on family and leveraging social media to generate income.
Pratt's book culminated with the loss of their Pacific Palisades home in the devastating California fires in January 2025. Days after the fire, Pratt asked fans of himself and Montag for their help.
In an effort to support the couple, fans catapulted Montag's debut album "Superficial," released in 2010, to the top of the iTunes charts, where it secured the No. 1 spot for both song and album.
Pratt explained that he had hoped that the duo would be able to buy a new house due to the album's newfound success but shared that they only walked away with $150,000. However, he noted that he learned a valuable lesson from the experience.
"What it bought us wasn’t a house — it was proof," Pratt wrote. "Proof that even when everything else turns to ash, at least some things can still survive. Dreams, music, the truth. Those things are fireproof, at least."
Since the fires, Pratt, whose parents also lost their home, has led a social media crusade against California leadership, whom he has accused of mismanagement, corruption and "criminal negligence" in their response to the disaster.
In August, Pratt traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi. During his trip, Pratt advocated for a federal investigation into California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's actions.
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Near the conclusion of "The Guy You Loved to Hate," Pratt marveled over his new role as an activist and advocate for his fellow fire victims.
"So here I am," he wrote. "Fire victim with an iPhone. Not glamorous, not lucrative, still ongoing. Who knows how many seasons it’ll last before everyone’s ready to move on to the next thing, a fresh character, a new narrative. But honestly? It’s probably the only role I’ve ever played that’s actually worth a damn."
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"The one I’ll keep playing until I get as many people as possible the justice they deserve," he added. "You don’t even want to know the tricks I still have up my sleeve to make that happen."
Prior to the publication of his book, Pratt announced that he was running for mayor of Los Angelesmayor of Los Angeles. He made the announcement at a "They Let Us Burn!" protest in the Pacific Palisades near the remains of his home on Jan. 7, the one-year anniversary of the LA fires.
"Let me be clear, this just isn’t a campaign," he told the crowd. "This is a mission."
"The Guy You Loved To Hate: Confessions From A Reality TV Villain" was published on Jan. 27.
Raphael Warnock likens journalists to pastors as he decries Don Lemon's arrest
Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., linked preachers and journalists as he defended Don Lemon on Wednesday amid controversy over his arrest in connection with an anti-ICE protest.
"I'd be interested to hear from these pastors if they want to see a journalist arrested protecting, you know, in their name," Warnock said on Lemon's show.
"That's not something I would want to see as a pastor," he added.
STEPHEN A SMITH DEFENDS DON LEMON, SAYS ARREST VIOLATES FIRST AMENDMENT
Lemon was arrested in January for his association with the anti-ICE storming of the Cities Church that took place on Jan. 18. Lemon has claimed he is protected by the First Amendment and was only covering the event as a journalist.
"Why wouldn't you want to have journalists or protesters arrested?" Lemon asked.
"Because you know, here's what preachers and journalists have in common," Warnock said. "Our work is to seek the truth and to speak the truth, which makes all of us better."
MARTHA STEWART ATTACKS ICE ENFORCEMENT AFTER 14-YEAR-OLD GRANDDAUGHTER SAYS SILENCE NOT EXCUSABLE
Warnock also discussed Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent after she allegedly attempted to ram an officer with her vehicle after refusing to exit, as well as the Border Patrol killing of Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.
"They immediately turned Alex Pretti into some kind of domestic terrorist," Warnock said. "They said that he was brandishing a firearm. Well, he did have a firearm on him that he was licensed to carry. And we all saw the video. The only thing he brandished was a camera phone. And so clearly they feel much more threatened by the camera than they did about almost anything else."
WOMAN SEEN ON VIDEO ALLEGEDLY BLOCKING MINNESOTA ICE OPERATION WITH CAR AS AGITATORS SURROUND AGENTS
Detransitioner predicts massive wave of lawsuits after landmark $2 million verdict
A $2 million jury verdict is giving momentum to lawsuits against doctors who perform gender transition surgeries on minors. Chloe Cole, who detransitioned and advocates for similar cases, said the verdict will set a "massive precedent."
The plaintiff, Fox Varian, was 16 years old when doctors performed a double mastectomy. Now, as an adult who no longer identifies as transgender, Varian argues she was not mentally well or mature enough to make the life-altering medical decision as a minor.
On Jan. 30, a New York jury found two medical professionals involved in Varian's case liable for malpractice, saying they had skipped key steps when determining whether irreversible surgery was the best course of action.
THE MEDICAL SYSTEM PUSHED TRANSGENDER SURGERY ON KIDS — NOW IT'S FACING LEGAL JUSTICE
Cole said the verdict could influence future cases involving patients who regret medical transitions they underwent as minors. Cole currently has a lawsuit pending related to her own gender transition that began when she was 12.
PRISHA MOSLEY: DOCTORS TOOK MY BODY APART FOR GENDER ‘CARE.’ NOW THEY ADMIT IT WAS WRONG
"We finally have organizational backing on this idea that these procedures, especially the surgeries, are harmful for kids," Cole said on "Fox & Friends Weekend," referring to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' (ASPS) recent announcement recommending against gender transition surgeries for young patients.
"We now have a legal precedent as well for attorneys to look to when they're helping detransition patients get legal justice," she added.
WINTER OLYMPICS MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST OPENLY TRANSGENDER SKIER COMPETING IN WOMEN'S DIVISION
The ASPS updated its guidance earlier this month, recommending "surgeons delay gender-related breast/chest, genital, and facial surgery until a patient is at least 19 years old."
The group said it found "insufficient evidence" that the procedures have a positive risk-benefit ratio.
Cole believes the new guidance and recent legal victory could lead to a wave of additional lawsuits.
"These lawsuits are going to flood the court system and make it so that these doctors realize that there is a huge liability to these procedures and give them no other sane choice but to stop doing this to children," she said.
Chris Christie tells Bill Maher that Republicans talk very differently about Donald Trump behind closed doors
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said that while many Republicans praise President Donald Trump while in public, some of those same figures criticize him in private, naming outspoken Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as one example.
During an appearance on "Overtime," the online part of "Real Time with Bill Maher," Friday, Christie was asked by Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland what "Republicans say to each other when we're not listening about what's happening in America right now."
"Look, so many of my fellow party members, especially, come up to me because I say all this stuff out loud, and they — in the green room at ABC, they'll say, 'You're so brave. That's so great. I totally agree with you. [Trump's] nuts.' And then they go out on camera to be interviewed, and they go, ‘The greatest president since Abraham Lincoln,’" he replied. "And then they come back in the green room, and they say to me, 'You know, I have to do that, but like I don't really mean it.' That's what they say."
GRAHAM THREATENS SHUTDOWN DEAL OVER HOUSE-BACKED REPEAL, WARNS JOHNSON: 'I WON'T FORGET THIS'
Following up on Christie's claim, host Bill Maher asked the former governor which specific Republicans are engaged in this behavior.
"Bill, 'Overtime's' not long enough to give you all the names, but I'll give you one. Lindsey Graham," he told Maher, drawing shocked reactions from both the panel and audience.
Fox News Digital reached out to Graham for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
GRAHAM BLOCKS TRUMP-BACKED SPENDING PLAN, CALLS IT A 'BAD DEAL' AS SHUTDOWN NEARS
Christie and Trump have had a complicated relationship over the past decade. Although he endorsed Trump after ending his own presidential campaign in 2016, their relationship soured after the president refused to concede the 2020 election to former President Joe Biden, and Christie later openly criticized Trump's 2024 campaign.
While facing calls from fellow Republicans to drop out of the 2024 GOP presidential nomination race, Christie put out a campaign ad promoting the fact that he's been the "only one" from his side of the aisle calling out Trump.
"Some people say I should drop out of this race. Really? I’m the only one saying Donald Trump is a liar," Christie said while speaking directly to the camera.
Christie's campaign said the commercial was the first spot in what they tout as a seven-figure ad buy in New Hampshire, the state that held the first primary and second overall contest after Iowa's caucuses in the GOP presidential nominating calendar.
Christie charged in the ad that Trump "pits Americans against each other," adding that the then-former president's Christmas message to anyone who disagrees with him was "rot in hell."
Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
Trump says nuclear talks in Oman were 'very good,' claims Iran wants a deal 'very badly'
The indirect nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran mediated by Oman were "very good," according to President Donald Trump.
"Iran looks like it wants to make a deal very badly. We'll have to see what that deal is. But I think Iran looks like they want to make a deal very badly, as they should. Last time they decided maybe not to do it, but I think they probably feel differently," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday.
The president added that the U.S. had a "big Armada" heading towards Iran, something he has spoken about in the past.
When he was pressed on how long the U.S. would be willing to wait to make a deal with Iran, the president indicated some flexibility, saying that he believes the two nations can reach an agreement.
TRUMP WARNS IRAN, DELAYS STRIKES AS RED LINE DEBATE ECHOES OBAMA’S SYRIA MOMENT
"It can be reached. Well, we have to get in position. We have plenty of time. If you remember Venezuela, we waited around for a while, and we're in no rush. We have very good [talks] with Iran," Trump said.
"They know the consequences if they don't make a deal. The consequences are very steep. So we'll see what happens. But they had a very good meeting with a very high representative of Iran," the president added.
American and Iranian representatives held separate meetings with Omani officials on Friday amid flaring tensions between Washington and Tehran. Oman's Foreign Ministry said that the meetings were "focused on preparing the appropriate conditions for resuming diplomatic and technical negotiations."
On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that indirect nuclear talks were "a good start" and that there was a "consensus" that the negotiations would continue.
"After a long period without dialogue, our viewpoints were conveyed, and our concerns were expressed. Our interests, the rights of the Iranian people, and all matters that needed to be stated were presented in a very positive atmosphere, and the other side’s views were also heard," Araghchi said.
"It was a good start, but its continuation depends on consultations in our respective capitals and deciding on how to proceed," he added.
IRAN SEIZES OIL TANKERS, THREATENS 'MASSACRE' IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ HOURS BEFORE US TALKS
While both sides expressed optimism about a possible deal, the U.S. moved to impose fresh sanctions on Iran after the talks. The State Department announced that the U.S. was sanctioning "15 entities, two individuals and 14 shadow fleet vessels connected to the illicit trade in Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products."
"Instead of investing in the welfare of its own people and crumbling infrastructure, the Iranian regime continues to fund destabilizing activities around the world and step up its repression inside Iran," the statement read.
"So long as the Iranian regime attempts to evade sanctions and generate oil and petrochemical revenues to fund such oppressive behavior and support terrorist activities and proxies, the United States will act to hold both the Iranian regime and its partners accountable."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment on the sanctions.
Ambassador Mike Waltz lays out ‘America First’ vision for US leadership at the UN
EXCLUSIVE: Ambassador Mike Waltz, the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, outlined the Trump administration’s "America First"-centered policies that he is adopting in a wide-ranging, exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, as the former national security advisor asserts himself in the role.
Waltz rejected claims that the present U.N. cash crisis was primarily a result of unpaid U.S. dues. "The United States pays to the U.N. system, more than 180 countries combined," noting, "We have historically been the largest supporter of the U.N., but under President Trump, we’re demanding reform."
Waltz argued the organization has drifted from its founding mission. "There are times where the U.N. has been incredibly helpful to U.S. foreign policy and objectives, but there are also times where it’s working against us," he said. "It has become bloated, it has become duplicative, it has lost its way from its original founding."
Waltz framed the approach as part of an "America First" doctrine focused on accountability for taxpayer dollars and burden-sharing among member states, saying that Washington’s financial leverage is intended to force change. "When we give the U.N. some tough love … these are the American taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars," he said. "At the end of the day, we will get the American taxpayers’ money’s worth, so to speak, out of this organization."
UNITED NATIONS 'UPSET' THAT TRUMP TOOK 'BOLD ACTION' TO IMPROVE VENEZUELA, SAYS UN AMB. MIKE WALTZ
At the U.N. earlier this week, the secretary-general framed the crisis as a matter of unpaid obligations by member states. When asked what gives him confidence the United States will pay, he said, "The question is not one of confidence. Obligations are obligations. So in relation to obligations, it’s not a matter of having confidence. It’s a matter of obligations being met."
The secretary-general’s spokesperson, in response to a Fox News Digital question, rejected the idea that the organization’s financial crisis stems from internal management and echoed that position, saying the funding situation is "very clear," pointing to the fact that some of the largest contributors have not paid, while arguing the secretary-general has been a "responsible steward" of U.N. finances and has pursued management reform since the start of his tenure.
"They just agreed to cut nearly 3,000 headquarters bureaucratic positions," Waltz said in their defense. "They agreed to the first-ever budget cut in U.N. history in 80 years, a 15% budget cut, and they’re cutting global peacekeeping forces by 25%."
"What’s interesting is, behind the scenes, a lot of people are saying thank you. This place needs to be better. President Trump is right. It’s not living up to its potential. We should ask ourselves, why isn’t the U.N. resolving things like border disputes with Cambodia and Thailand? Why aren’t they really driving the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan to a resolution? That’s what the U.N. was built for. Thank God President Trump is, but he’s asking the question of why is he having to do all of this. Where’s the United Nations? So we’re determined here to help them live up to their reforms, live up to their mandate, live up to their mission."
"You have to have one place in the world where everyone can talk," he said. "The president is a president of peace. He puts diplomacy first."
Asked whether U.N. leadership is doing enough to reform the world body, Waltz said Secretary-General António Guterres has begun moving in the right direction but should have acted sooner.
"The secretary general has taken steps in the right direction. Frankly, I wish he had done it much sooner in a much more aggressive way," Waltz said.
UN CHIEF ACCUSES US OF DITCHING INTERNATIONAL LAW AS TRUMP BLASTS GLOBAL BODIES
He cited structural changes and consolidation efforts while arguing that measurable results must follow.
"The U.N.’s budget has quadrupled in the last 25 years," Waltz said. "We haven’t seen a quadrupling of peace around the world. In fact, it’s gone the opposite direction."
When asked if the administration’s Gaza peace framework and a mechanism known as the Board of Peace are alternatives to the U.N., Waltz said they are intended to complement the institution rather than replace it.
"The president doesn’t intend the Board of Peace to replace the U.N., but he intends to drive a lot of these conflicts to conclusion," he said.
"As part of the president’s 20-point peace plan was also the Board of Peace to actually implement it," he said.
He said the Board of Peace involves regional governments and is designed to create a stabilization structure on the ground. "The Egyptians are involved, Turkey’s involved, the Gulf Arabs, Jordan and importantly, the Israelis," he said. "We’re going to have a stabilization force, we’re going to have a funding mechanism for rebuilding humanitarian aid … and this Palestinian technocratic committee that can restore government services."
TRUMP ADMIN EXIT FROM UN, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS RAISES QUESTION OF WHO’S NEXT
Looking ahead, Waltz said the administration wants a narrower, more mission-driven U.N. focused on security, conflict resolution and economic development.
"I see … a much more focused U.N. that we have taken back to the basics of promoting peace and security around the world," he said.
He also called for greater private sector involvement and less reliance on traditional aid structures. "This old model of NGOs and agencies going to governments and just saying, ‘More, more, more’ — it isn’t sustainable," he said. "If we’re driving environments in developing countries that welcome American businesses … we break that dependence on development aid and everyone benefits."
Ultimately, Waltz framed his role as executing foreign policy vision. "I’m a vessel for the president’s vision," he said. "From my perspective, at the end of his administration, he looks at a U.N. that is leading in driving countries toward peaceful conclusions to conflicts around the world and asking for his help. That’s a much better dynamic than the president having to do it all and saying, ‘Where is the U.N. in these conflicts?’ And so we’re looking to very much flip that on its head, and we have a plan to do it."
'Melania' film exposes massive divide as audience score hits 99 percent despite rigging claims
Rotten Tomatoes is pushing back against claims the audience score for the "Melania" film was artificially inflated. The film has one of the widest gaps in Rotten Tomatoes history, with more than a 93-percentage-point difference between critic and audience scores.
The film follows first lady Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. As of Friday, it holds a 6% critics score and a 99% audience rating.
Versant, the parent company of Rotten Tomatoes, denied any tampering with the score, telling Variety there was "no bot manipulation" of audience reviews.
"Reviews displayed on the Popcornmeter are VERIFIED reviews, meaning it has been verified that users have bought a ticket to the film," they added.
DAVID MARCUS: WHY MELANIA AND HER FANS DESERVE HER SILVER SCREEN STAR TURN
The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) has logged more than 48,200 user ratings for the "Melania" film since its release, with most votes landing at one star.
The film currently holds a 1.3-star rating on that site. IMDb has also posted an "unusual activity" warning under the title reading, "Our rating mechanism has detected unusual voting activity on this title."
MELANIA TRUMP EXPOSES 'VERY CHALLENGING' REALITY OF LEGAL BATTLES, MAR-A-LAGO RAID
Several media outlets have called out the large disparity in reactions online. The Daily Beast was among the first to report on the gap, calling it suspicious and citing claims that ticket sales may have been artificially boosted.
Late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel also questioned the film’s ticket sales on his show, joking that the success may have been "rigged."
AMAZON AXES 'MELANIA' SCREENINGS AT OREGON THEATER OVER MARQUEE MOCKING FIRST LADY
"A lot of people, myself included, have been wondering how this movie managed to sell $7 million worth of tickets last weekend when almost every theater seemed to be empty leading up to the release," Kimmel said during his monologue on Wednesday.
The host continued by speculating that tickets to the movie were purchased and distributed to Republican activists and senior citizens’ homes.
"Melania" beat expectations during its opening weekend, bringing in more than $7.1 million at the box office. The film marked one of the strongest opening weekends ever for a non-music documentary. Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million for the project and spent an additional $35 million on marketing.