ceasefire talks

US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are progressing rapidly despite recent exchanges of fire testing a fragile ceasefire. He also announced a halt to attacks between Hezbollah and Israel following calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives. Iran, however, indicated it has ceased communication with Washington through mediators due to the escalation in Lebanon.

Renewed attacks in Lebanon have halted US-Iran message exchanges, with Tehran threatening to block the Strait of Hormuz and activate new fronts. Iran insists on a complete cessation of Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon before resuming any talks. Escalating Israeli strikes in Beirut further complicate fragile diplomatic efforts.

Oil prices surged over 2% as Israel ordered troop deployments into southern Lebanon, escalating tensions with Hezbollah. This renewed fighting raises concerns for a US-Iran ceasefire extension and regional stability, impacting global energy supply outlooks. Mines in the Strait of Hormuz further complicate efforts to restore shipping traffic.

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.

Mediators are facilitating fresh US-Iran negotiations on a draft memorandum aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. The proposed agreement includes a multi-billion dollar reconstruction package for Iran's economy and a temporary non-aggression arrangement, with nuclear talks deferred to a later phase.

US forces intercepted the Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly attempting to breach the American blockade of Iranian ports. The vessel ignored warnings and was disabled by US aircraft, marking the sixth ship stopped amid ongoing tensions impacting global energy and food supplies.

The US has proposed a plan to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon, urging Hezbollah to halt attacks in exchange for Israel refraining from escalation in Beirut. Meanwhile, President Trump has reportedly sent back a proposed agreement with Iran for further revisions, seeking tougher provisions and guarantees against nuclear weapons.

Oil prices saw a slight uptick as US-Iran talks and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz created market jitters. Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran fueled uncertainty, with traders closely watching any progress or breakdown in negotiations. Developments around the crucial energy route remain a key focus, impacting global supply routes and risk sentiment.

The US warned of renewed military action against Iran if necessary, with President Trump demanding a permanent end to Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high, exacerbated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and continued fighting in Lebanon.

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.

Oil prices fluctuated as US-Iran talks showed signs of progress, clashing with US military strikes on Iranian missile sites and vessels. Hopes for the Strait of Hormuz reopening were dampened by fresh clashes, adding to market uncertainty after a major energy shock.

Intense diplomatic efforts are underway to secure an agreement between the US and Iran, aiming to end the Middle East conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease energy market pressures. Despite claims of progress, significant disagreements persist over uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and regional influence, leaving a final deal uncertain.

The latest draft is said to include a 60-day halt in hostilities, provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a roadmap for restarting negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. However, no formal agreement has yet been announced. A high-level meeting at the White House on Friday, convened to reach a final decision on the proposal, ended without a breakthrough.

US forces conducted 'self-defense' strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite ongoing diplomatic talks. President Trump warned Iran on enriched uranium, demanding its surrender or destruction. Iran condemned the strikes as a 'war crime,' accusing the US of targeting civilians. Peace negotiations continue, reportedly discussing the Strait's reopening and a ceasefire extension.

Tensions in West Asia surged as Iran's IRGC claimed to target a US military base, while Washington announced fresh strikes on Iranian radar and command-and-control sites. Kuwait's air defense systems also responded to drone and missile attacks amid ongoing exchanges and diplomatic efforts.

A potential 60-day ceasefire extension between the US and Iran is nearing, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow Iranian oil exports. This deal, brokered by Pakistan, includes lifting US port blockades and sanctions waivers, contingent on Iran negotiating its nuclear program and ending the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Global oil markets are closely monitoring developments.

Israeli troops have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest incursion in over 26 years. This territorial gain occurred despite an existing ceasefire, with forces advancing near Nabatiyeh to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure. The operation aims to eliminate perceived threats to Israeli civilians.

Iran has reportedly agreed in principle to surrender its enriched uranium stockpile to the US as part of a peace deal. This significant concession, aimed at de-escalating tensions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, comes after US military threats. While a deal is "largely negotiated," final details on the uranium transfer and broader nuclear talks are pending.

Iran's Supreme Leader has ordered the country's near-weapons-grade enriched uranium stockpile to remain within Iran, complicating peace talks. This directive hardens Tehran's stance, as the US and Israel demand its removal. The move comes amid ongoing regional conflict and deep suspicion of further US airstrikes.

Pakistan has hired a US lobbying firm, Ervin Graves Strategy Group, for a two-year contract worth $50,000 monthly. The firm will advocate for Pakistan's diplomatic, economic, and strategic interests in Washington, engaging with Congress, the executive branch, and policy institutions. This initiative aims to bolster Pakistan's standing as a US ally and its role in regional diplomacy.