tehran

In an unexpected turn of events, General Asim Munir, the Chief of the Pakistan Army, will not be heading to tehran as planned for peace talks. This delay stems from Iran's request for more time to reflect on a US proposal linked to nuclear concerns and wider regional tensions.

A drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear plant, originating from Iraq, has heightened regional escalation fears. Analysts believe Iran-backed militias are a key front in tehran's confrontation with the US and Israel. The strike, condemned as a terrorist act, forced backup systems at the plant to activate, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure amid rising tensions.

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.

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'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.

President Trump declared the US has "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz via a naval blockade, vowing to secure Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile. He warned tehran against pursuing nuclear weapons, stating the US will prevent them from acquiring the material. Despite the blockade, Trump affirmed the US desires the strait to remain open for international navigation.

A new understanding with Iran is emerging to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after weeks of military escalation. The United States seeks to prevent global economic disruption from energy shipment issues. An agreement is reportedly nearing finalization, though details remain unclear. Iran denies commitments to give up uranium or unconditionally reopen the straits.

Fresh US intelligence suggests Iran has resumed military production, including drones, much sooner than anticipated, raising concerns about its rapid arsenal regeneration. tehran's strategy of decentralized manufacturing and reliance on commercially available components allows for swift replenishment of weapons like Shahed drones and Fateh missiles, even after recent strikes.

US President Donald Trump declared any future Iran deal under his leadership would be "good and proper," contrasting it with the Obama-era agreement. He asserted his proposed deal would prevent tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, unlike the previous one which he claims provided significant funds and a path to a bomb.

United States military forces boarded an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. This action escalates pressure on Iran. The vessel was searched and redirected. It is the fifth commercial ship intercepted since Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian shipping. This is part of efforts to force tehran back to negotiations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

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.

US officials express caution regarding a potential Iran deal, suggesting it could still collapse despite progress. Negotiations are ongoing, with key details like uranium disposal and frozen assets remaining points of contention. While Iran aims to reassure the world about its nuclear program, both sides emphasize safeguarding national interests, with a breakthrough potentially days away.

Iranian authorities held mass public weddings in tehran for couples who signed up to a state-sponsored scheme declaring their readiness to sacrifice their lives in the war against the US and Israel. Those involved had signed up, according to Iranian media, for the so-called "self-sacrifice" scheme (janfada in Persian) where people pledged to put their lives on the line in the war by, for example, forming human chains outside power stations.

Emerging US-Iran deal details spark alarm among hawkish Republicans, who expected Iranian collapse. Instead, Iran appears strategically intact, having demonstrated leverage by disrupting the Strait of Hormuz and surviving US-Israel military pressure. This outcome has exposed fractures within Trump's coalition and emboldened tehran's negotiating stance.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday said a return to war with the United States was unlikely, while warning that the Islamic republic stood ready against any attack. "The possibility of war is low because of the enemy's weakness, the armed forces are lying in wait with full magazines," said Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying.

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.

Iran seeks immediate release of 12 billion dollars in frozen assets from Qatar. This is a key demand before starting talks with the United States. Iran wants all its frozen assets worldwide unfrozen eventually. Differences persist between Iran and the US over certain clauses in a potential agreement. The release of blocked assets remains a point of contention.

President Trump has yet to approve a proposed deal with Iran, emphasizing that any agreement must meet his conditions, including preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. While discussions continue, Iran denies negotiating under US dictates. The uncertainty impacts energy markets, with regional tensions also escalating between Iran, the US, and Israel-Hezbollah.

Oil prices dipped Friday as traders reacted to reports of a potential 60-day extension to a US-Iran ceasefire, which could ease restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. While US Vice President Vance indicated a deal is close, sticking points remain, and renewed tensions on the ground underscore the ceasefire's fragility.

Gulf allies UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar urged President Trump to pursue diplomacy with Iran, fearing renewed conflict would destabilize regional economies. Leaders argued military action wouldn't achieve US objectives, reflecting a shift for the UAE after recent hostilities. All three nations remain wary of further escalation.

Amidst escalating tensions and attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, the US and Iran are reportedly nearing a diplomatic breakthrough. A draft Memorandum of Understanding could extend a fragile ceasefire, opening a 60-day window for talks on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for economic relief.