araghchi

Iran's foreign minister Abbas araghchi claimeed that Tehran has received new messages from the US expressing a desire to continue talks, despite earlier public rejections. araghchi stated that while Iran lacks trust in American intentions, they are working to preserve a fragile ceasefire to allow diplomacy a chance, emphasizing that military pressure has proven ineffective.

BRICS foreign ministers are struggling to agree on a joint statement concerning West Asia. Tensions flared between the UAE and Iran during the meeting. Iran accused the UAE of direct involvement in aggression. India's External Affairs Minister stressed the importance of consensus for new members. The outcome of the meeting remains uncertain.

Iran has strongly condemned Kuwait's actions, accusing it of attacking an Iranian boat and detaining four citizens in the Persian Gulf. Tehran demands their immediate release and reserves the right to retaliate, suggesting Kuwait's territory is being used by the US for attacks. Yemen has expressed solidarity with Iran, warning of regional conflagration.

Questions are mounting over Supreme Leader Khamenei's direct involvement in Iran's ongoing US negotiations, with reports citing "serious ambiguities" about coordination. This uncertainty follows trips by Iranian officials and a reluctance to hold talks in Tehran or Pakistan, fueling speculation about who is directing the diplomatic process amid heightened Gulf tensions and ongoing clashes.

Speaking to reporters during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday local time, Trump rejected the idea of any temporary arrangement that would allow Iran and Oman to jointly manage the strait. "No, the strait's going to be open to everybody," Trump said when asked whether he would support such a deal. Calling it an international passage, the US President stressed that no country would be allowed to dominate it.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host his Iranian counterpart for bilateral talks focusing on energy and connectivity concerns, including stranded LPG tankers and Chabahar port operations. This meeting, occurring during the BRICS foreign ministers' gathering, aims to address regional conflicts and foster cooperation among member states.

India is preparing to send ships through the Strait of Hormuz to secure vital crude oil and energy cargoes amid ongoing disruptions. The government is finalizing plans for Indian vessels to navigate the waterway, which handles a significant portion of global oil flows, as shipping activity has slowed due to the Iran conflict.

India is set to host a crucial Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) meeting, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to attend. This high-level gathering, involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, is seen as a strategic move to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting will likely address critical mineral supply chains and regional security concerns.

But another Iran-US flare-up could hit plan

President Trump indicated a 50/50 chance of a deal or military action with Iran, with a decision expected Sunday. Intense diplomatic efforts involving multiple Middle Eastern nations have led to a "largely negotiated" Memorandum of Understanding for peace, subject to finalization.

The US and Iran are reportedly nearing a 60-day ceasefire extension, with mediators working on an interim deal. This agreement could pave the way for broader talks on Iran's nuclear program and regional security, including the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and phased sanctions relief for Tehran.

Iran accused the UAE of direct military involvement in attacks against Tehran during a BRICS meeting, escalating tensions. Tehran claims Abu Dhabi facilitated aggression and warned of retaliation against facilities aiding US or Israeli operations. This dispute complicates efforts to finalize a joint BRICS communique.

Iran has announced its support for Chinese President Xi Jinping's four-point plan for Gulf security and regional development. This initiative, emphasizing peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law, and balancing security with economic cooperation, comes ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to China amid ongoing regional tensions.