U.S.-Iran tensions escalated over the Strait of Hormuz as Pakistan tried to revive a collapsed interim ceasefire deal. The fighting pushed oil prices higher and widened to Red Sea and regional attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Hamas announced Monday the election of Khalil al-Hayya, its lead negotiator in ceasefire talks with Israel, as the new head of its political bureau. He succeeds Yahya al-Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, and defeated former chief Khaled Meshaal.
Russian newspapers highlight US-Iran efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire amid Lebanon tensions, upcoming NATO summit divisions over Ukraine and alliance future, and the EU's postponed 21st sanctions package against Russia due to member state disagreements.
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have arrived in Doha for talks on the Iran-US ceasefire, but no direct meetings with Iranian officials are scheduled. Qatar's Foreign Ministry confirmed the envoys will meet mediators to discuss an existing MOU, while Iran raised concerns about its implementation, including shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen assets.
The United States and Iran continue to test a fragile ceasefire, marked by airstrikes and warnings, even as negotiations for a broader agreement persist. A senior US official confirmed talks are on track, with Pakistan mediating a resumption on Tuesday. Jake Sullivan described this cycle of flare-ups and de-escalation as the "new normal."
Three days of US-brokered talks in Washington have revealed deep divisions over Lebanon's ceasefire. Beirut insists on Israeli troop withdrawal, while Israel demands Hezbollah's disarmament and operational rights in southern Lebanon. Analysts suggest Israel aims to separate the Lebanese government from Hezbollah, seeking a ceasefire with Lebanon, not the organization itself.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem demanded Israel's unconditional withdrawal from Lebanon, calling a US-Iran agreement a 'declaration of defeat'. This comes as US-mediated ceasefire talks between Lebanon and Israel concluded with a framework agreement, yet Israeli forces continue operations and attacks in southern Lebanon.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, emphasized the need for a "very strong system of verification" to monitor Iran's nuclear program. This is a key objective of the preliminary ceasefire agreement with the US, despite Iran's denials of nuclear weapon intentions and ongoing disputes over inspection access.
US-Israel strikes on Iran, causing energy price hikes and trade disruption, have led to significant profits for energy firms, defense contractors, freight/insurance companies, and Wall Street banks, despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Switzerland aimed at easing global economic pain.
Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon killed three people and wounded one, and burned houses, despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Washington, DC. Senior Israeli and Lebanese officials are discussing a US-backed proposal for territory handover, but Israel insists on Hezbollah's disarmament before withdrawal.
Ceasefire talks in Egypt between Palestinian factions and mediators are facing a critical test due to maximalist demands for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all armed groups in Gaza, including the surrender of tunnel maps and privately held weapons. Palestinian officials view these demands, particularly "Clause 8" of a US-brokered plan, as facilitating Israel's agenda, while Hamas has tied weapon handover to Israeli withdrawal.
The US and Iran are in dispute over U.N. inspectors accessing Iranian nuclear sites, following talks in Switzerland. Meanwhile, a plan to evacuate 11,000 seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz is underway, and violence has resurfaced in Lebanon.
Iran and US delegations reported significant progress after 18 hours of talks in Switzerland on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and maintaining the Lebanon ceasefire. US Vice President JD Vance described the talks as laying a "successful foundation" for a deal, while Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed a safe passage mechanism was agreed. However, US President Donald Trump's threats complicated the situation.
President Trump threatened to "take over" Iran if the Strait of Hormuz was not immediately reopened, telling Fox News he warned Iranian officials directly. This comes amid a shaky U.S.-Iran ceasefire and continued Israeli assault in Lebanon.
Donald Trump told Fox News he threatened to "take over" Iran if the Strait of Hormuz was not immediately re-opened. The threat came after Iran announced it would close the waterway in response to Israeli actions in Lebanon.
The US administration expresses frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's ongoing military operations in Lebanon, which threaten to derail ceasefire negotiations with Iran. Despite a memorandum of understanding calling for a permanent cessation of hostilities, Israel continues its attacks, leading to postponed talks and strained US-Israel relations.
Planned technical ceasefire talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland were postponed Friday, raising fears the deal could unravel. Iran reportedly delayed its delegation due to Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon.
Planned technical talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland on a ceasefire deal have been postponed. Reports suggest Iran delayed sending its delegation due to Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon, raising fears the deal could unravel.
Planned US-Iran ceasefire talks in Switzerland were postponed due to Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. Iran reportedly delayed sending its delegation, citing Israeli strikes that killed at least 16 people in southern Lebanon. The talks were to focus on technical terms of a digitally signed memorandum of understanding.
At least four people were killed in Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh governorate, targeting vehicles in Mayfadoun and Shoukin. This occurred despite a recent US-Iran understanding aimed at ending the war on all fronts, which Iran insists must include a halt to Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
Israeli air raids have killed four people in southern Lebanon, including a mayor, despite a US-brokered ceasefire. Attacks targeted towns north of the "Yellow Line," raising fears of scuppering US-Iran ceasefire deal. Lebanon's president called for national unity amidst escalating tensions.
President Trump canceled planned strikes on Iran after claiming a breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations involving multiple nations. This reversal follows days of escalating tensions and US strikes, with Iran threatening retaliation.
US President Donald Trump cancelled planned strikes on Iran, citing a breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations. The announcement followed threats to target Iranian oil infrastructure and came amid ongoing US-Iran military exchanges and diplomatic efforts.
The UN nuclear watchdog's governing board passed a US-backed resolution demanding Iran provide complete information on its enriched uranium stocks and grant inspectors access. Iran condemned the resolution, calling it "counterproductive" and warning it could hinder peace talks amid escalating US-Iran strikes.
