The Catalan government and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) meet, but talks make no progress.

That all the focus is on the Iran war This doesn't make us forget the ongoing negotiations between the Catalan government and Esquerra Republicana (ERC) regarding the approval of this year's budget. We'll explain the current situation shortly. But first, a few points about the war.

Things are still happening that haven't happened in a long time:

Yesterday, in the Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka, a US submarine sank an Iranian ship. This—an American submarine sinking a ship from another country—had not happened since World War II.

The theater of operations isn't just Iran, or Lebanon, or the United Arab Emirates; there's nothing else. Because we have that attack on the Indian Ocean, and an Iranian missile that was headed straight for Turkey until NATO defenses shot it down. The United States continues to bomb Iran while the ayatollahs' regime resists and tries to expand the war.

And regarding the US-Spain dispute, what we said yesterday still holds true. Sánchez has revived the "No to War" movement of 2003 and has achieved what he wanted: to confront Trump and become an international figure, within the modest confines of Spain's global standing.What price will he pay, and above all, what price will we pay? Don't miss out This analysis by Francesc Millan, head of International at the ARA:

Sánchez's speech yesterday was part of a well-thought-out strategy from Moncloa Palace, devised by a large team of international policy advisors. This team is the key to Sánchez's strategy, which he has used to mask his difficulties in governing. Sánchez knows that Trump cannot cut off trade with Spain because it falls under the EU umbrella, giving him an advantage.

Sánchez's weaknesses are related to what's happening in our country. If the Spanish government had a majority and not the political puzzle it's facing now, it would come out and say that, in accordance with the agreement with Esquerra, the Generalitat will manage 100% of the Personal Income Tax (IRPF). But it doesn't say that. And that's why, for the moment, there's no budget.

Those involved in the negotiations, both Socialist and Republican, have stated in this analysis that talks are ongoing, but there's no progress. There's a willingness to maintain the working relationships and trust that have been built, but Esquerra believes that the conditions aren't right for approving the budget because the Spanish government is very clear and won't budge on the IRPF issue. Esquerra believes this isn't a negotiating tactic by the PSC; this path is simply closed. When might this path reopen? In June, after the Andalusian elections, in which Vice President Montero is running. The Socialist faction argues that, precisely because of everything that's happening, certainty is needed, and having a budget would be crucial. What the PSC within Esquerra is essentially saying is: if the agreement between the Spanish government and the Generalitat to implement the Catalan tax system, so that it gradually assumes the powers of personal income tax (IRPF), is already in writing, they just have to wait for it to be fulfilled. And they shouldn't jeopardize the Spanish government over a matter of months. Esquerra, for its part, would almost be satisfied if, when President Isla announces that the agreement will be honored, the PSOE doesn't come out and say that there are no talks at the moment.

Meanwhile, what happens? The budget will now go to a vote, and Esquerra and the PSC, who are negotiating to reach an agreement, must vote and publicly express their disagreement, causing discomfort for everyone. And both sides blame the other for the situation: the PSC believes Esquerra is acting impatiently, and Esquerra believes that those who don't deliver don't deserve trust. And that's where we stand.

Good morning.