Senior Israeli officials are downplaying the surprise, saying “we knew a development was possible,” as Trump had consistently expressed a desire to negotiate. Officials are convinced that Iran’s willingness to enter direct talks with Trump is a direct result of US threats.
The news site Iran Nuances reported that the Iranian delegation will be led by senior diplomat Abbas Araghchi himself, while the American side will be headed by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
In an interview with Lebanese channel LBCI, US Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus delivers stern message following meetings with Lebanese officials as US renews diplomatic push.
Tehran has issued a threatening message to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Turkey, Kuwait and Iraq, urging them not to assist any US strike launched from their territory. Iran has rejected any possibility of direct negotiations with the US, preferring instead to hold indirect talks via Oman.
This higher-than-expected figure represents the first estimate provided by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as it assesses what remains of Assad's military program. Israeli strikes may have complicated efforts to secure Syrian chemical weapons, expert tells US paper.
Two Patriot batteries and one THAAD battery arrive in Israel, Arab media reports, just days after Trump warned Tehran of "bombing the likes of which they have never seen before."
Araghchi commented on communications with President Donald Trump, saying, "Iran's response to President Trump's letter was crafted according to the document's content and tone, while preserving the option to resume diplomatic engagement."
6 companies and 2 o fficials from the Islamic Republic were blacklisted by Washington. Sanctioned entities are based in UAE, China and Iran.
According to a report in the British Telegraph, a senior Iranian official said military commanders had been instructed to prepare for action against a US base in the Indian Ocean in a bid to deter President Trump from launching an offensive on Iran.
The administration has been pushing for a new agreement to replace or strengthen the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump withdrew from during his first term.