The US has entered a new phase of bombing Iran, striking 170 targets after Iran attacked commercial vessels. This escalation follows the collapse of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding, rooted in decades of distrust and the fragility of US sanctions relief promises.
Israel and Lebanon are set to commence their fifth round of US-mediated talks in Washington DC on Tuesday. The discussions aim to secure peace amid a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, which has seen fighting abate since Saturday night. Lebanese leaders emphasize that Iran cannot negotiate on Beirut's behalf.
A draft agreement, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, aims to end regional hostilities by halting fighting, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and releasing frozen Iranian assets. Key nuclear issues, including Iran's uranium stockpile, will be negotiated within 30-60 days.
US President Donald Trump stated that the US and Iran are nearing an agreement to end the war in the Middle East. Regional officials and a diplomat confirmed an MOU is within reach, with a final decision expected within 48 hours.
Pakistan has conveyed a new peace proposal from Iran to the US, which reportedly includes terms similar to previous rejections. However, an Iranian official claims the US has softened its stance on releasing frozen funds and nuclear activities. A US official denied reports of waiving oil sanctions.
Trump says US officials will not travel 18 hours for truce talks with Iran, insisting Iran must come to the US or call. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Islamabad on Sunday for transit consultations, while Tehran relays its red lines—including nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz—through Pakistani intermediaries. The US president reiterated Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.
Progress has been made in talks with the US, but gaps remain over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says Read Full Article at RT.com
