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Iran suspends indirect contacts with US amid escalating Israel-Hezbollah tensions

Iran suspends

TEHRAN: Iran has reportedly suspended indirect diplomatic communications with the United States as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East, according to a report carried by a news agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The report said Iran’s negotiating team has halted the exchange of messages with Washington through mediators, signaling a further deterioration in diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

According to the report, the decision was taken in response to intensified Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Gaza, which Tehran has strongly condemned.

Sources cited in the report said Iran has made it clear that no talks or indirect communications with the United States will resume unless Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza are halted.

Iranian officials also argued that attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon are exacerbating already heightened regional tensions and pose a threat to stability in the Middle East.

The report further claimed that Tehran views the recent military actions as a violation of an alleged ceasefire understanding reached with the United States on April 8.

There was no immediate official response from either the United States or Israel regarding the reported suspension of indirect contacts or Iran’s claims.

The development comes amid growing uncertainty over regional security and ongoing efforts by international mediators to prevent a wider escalation of conflict across the Middle East.

US, Iran agree to 60-day framework for ceasefire extension and nuclear talks

US

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed to a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a ceasefire and launching formal talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to US news website Axios citing sources.

The report said US President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval to the agreement.

According to Axios, the proposed MoU would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the start of the conflict. However, officials cautioned that more detailed and intensive negotiations would still be required to reach a final deal on Iran’s nuclear programme.

US officials said most terms had been agreed by Tuesday, but both sides were awaiting approval from their respective leaderships.

Officials added that the Iranian side later informed negotiators that they had received the necessary approval and were ready to sign, although Tehran has not officially confirmed this.

US negotiators briefed President Trump on the details, but he did not immediately approve the deal. A US official said the president had asked for several days to review the proposal.

Under the reported framework, the agreement would ensure uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with no tolls or harassment of commercial shipping. Iran would also be required to remove all naval mines from the strait within 30 days.

The MoU would reportedly include commitments from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, while both sides would engage in discussions on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and uranium enrichment activities.

The US would also reportedly commit to discussing partial sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds during the negotiation period, along with mechanisms for the delivery of essential goods and humanitarian aid to Iran.

Iran expects FIFA help on US visas ahead of World Cup

Iran expects

TEHRAN: Iran Football Federation expects FIFA to facilitate multiple-entry visas for the Iranian national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, federation president Mehdi Taj said on Thursday.

“FIFA is expected to deliver a multiple-entry visa so that the players can enter the United States and return to Mexico,” Taj said in remarks broadcast by Iranian media.

Known as Team Melli, the Iranian squad had initially planned to set up its training base in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament. However, the team later shifted its camp to Tijuana, Mexico, which will co-host the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.

Trump hints at positive outcome in Iran negotiations

Trump hints

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that a proposed agreement with Iran has not yet been finalized, but expressed confidence that positive news will emerge, stating that he does not make “bad deals.”

In an interview with ABC News, Trump said the potential deal with Iran would be “completely different” from the agreement reached during former President Barack Obama’s administration.

He said that no one has seen the details of the agreement yet and urged the public not to rely on criticism from those who are not fully informed.

The US president added that previous leadership should have resolved the issue years ago, noting that ongoing negotiations are being conducted in an organized and constructive manner, with the outcome depending on Iran’s decisions.

Trump emphasized that any final agreement must serve U.S. interests and contribute to regional stability.

According to reports, he also shared an image on social media showing a missile mounted under a military aircraft, which drew attention amid ongoing tensions and negotiations with Iran.

UAE official calls Iran’s nuclear program top regional threat

UAE official

ABU DHABI: Senior diplomatic adviser to the United Arab Emirates President Anwar Gargash has said that Iran’s nuclear program is now the region’s most pressing concern, according to international media reports.

Gargash warned that any further escalation between the United States and Iran could significantly complicate the regional security situation.

He said that any changes in the strategic importance or stability of the Strait of Hormuz would have serious consequences not only for the region but also for Europe, urging European countries to view the waterway as a critical energy and trade corridor.

The UAE adviser stressed the importance of pursuing a diplomatic solution, but cautioned that such efforts should not come at the cost of creating further future instability.

He said Iran’s nuclear program had shifted from being a secondary concern to the top priority issue, adding that Iran has the capability to use all available means in its strategic arsenal.

Gargash also noted that relations with the United States have become the backbone of Gulf national defence systems, with Washington playing an increasingly central role in regional security calculations.

In a separate remark, he said the UAE had been considering a possible withdrawal from OPEC over the past three years.

Iran warns of unused advanced weapons amid rising tensions with US

Iran warns

TEHRAN: Iran has issued a strong warning following threats of possible military action from the United States, claiming it possesses advanced weapons that have not yet been used on the battlefield.

According to a Russian news agency report, an Iranian military source said the country has locally developed sophisticated defensive and offensive weapon systems that have neither been deployed nor tested in combat situations so far.

The source warned that Iran would not show restraint if the United States launches another attack, adding that Tehran is fully prepared for any potential escalation.

Iranian officials also reportedly stated that the country faces no shortage of military equipment or defense capabilities and remains fully capable of defending itself against external threats.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump recently renewed threats of military action against Iran, saying Washington could take strong measures if negotiations fail.

Meanwhile, American and Western officials have continued to express concern over Iran’s missile capabilities and broader military program, while Iran insists its defense activities are solely intended to safeguard national security.

Analysts warn that growing tensions between Iran and the United States could trigger a fresh crisis in the Middle East, particularly raising global concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region.

Trump issues stark warning to Iran over nuclear talks

Trump issues

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Iran will either be forced into a deal or face severe consequences, warning of potential military and maritime action if negotiations fail.

Addressing a Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony, Trump said that the United States had previously been weakened under the Biden administration, but claimed that Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy and air force, had been significantly diminished.

He said Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons and claimed Tehran was eager to reach an agreement with Washington.

“If there is no deal, we will carry out strong strikes,” Trump said, adding that the United States could impose a maritime blockade under a plan he referred to as the “Steel Wall,” which he said would be impossible to break.

Trump further warned that the United States could seize additional Iranian oil tankers if an agreement is not reached, saying the situation would depend on whether Iran chooses to sign a deal or face escalation.

Serious efforts underway to finalize Iran-US draft agreement, Arab media reports

Serious efforts

ISLAMABAD: Intensive diplomatic efforts are underway to finalize a draft agreement between Iran and the United States, with an announcement on the completion of the final text possible in the coming days, according to Arab media reports.

The reports said a senior Pakistani official could travel to Iran on Thursday, and the visit may coincide with an announcement that the draft agreement has been completed.

Arab media also reported that the next round of negotiations is expected to be held in Islamabad after the Hajj season.

The developments come as Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made his second trip to Tehran within 24 hours, where he held meetings with Iranian leaders on the ongoing Iran-U.S. dialogue.

During a previous visit to Tehran, Naqvi met President Masoud Pezeshkian, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss bilateral ties and regional diplomacy.

After returning from Iran, Naqvi traveled directly to Balochistan, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir were also present.

Neither Tehran nor Washington has officially confirmed the reported timeline for finalizing the agreement.

Trump reveals US prepared to strike Iran before last-minute pause

Trump reveals

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said that the United States was just one hour away from launching a military strike against Iran before the operation was halted to allow time for ongoing negotiations.

Speaking during a visit to a ballroom construction site, Trump said U.S. naval forces had completed preparations and were ready to begin the attack when he received a call requesting a short delay because an agreement with Iran appeared close.

Trump said Iran had caused instability across the Middle East for decades and reiterated that the United States would not allow Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons.

He said Iran was eager to reach a deal and had returned to the negotiating table. According to Trump, the U.S. would wait only two or three more days before deciding whether further action was necessary.

The president warned that larger strikes could still be carried out if talks fail, but said he hoped diplomacy would prevent the need for military action.

Trump also claimed that if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, it would pose a direct threat to Israel and the broader region.

He said leaders in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar had expressed optimism that negotiations with Iran would produce positive results.

Trump added that Xi Jinping had assured him that China was not supplying weapons to Iran.

Iran praises Pakistan’s role in regional peace talks

Iran praises

TEHRAN: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni during his visit to Iran, Iranian media reported.

According to Iranian media, the two leaders discussed Pakistan–Iran relations and the prospects for the resumption of peace talks during their meeting.

They also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including regional peace and the evolving situation in the region.

The Iranian interior minister praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

He also appreciated the efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in helping resolve tensions with the United States, Iranian media added.