Day 60 | Washington reviews Tehran offer to end war, reopen Hormuz
US President Donald Trump is holding talks today with senior national security officials to review a new Iranian proposal that could lead to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to two sources familiar with the discussions.
The meeting follows a stalled round of peace negotiations over the weekend. On Sunday, Trump defended his decision to cancel a planned trip by US envoys to Pakistan, stating that Iranian authorities “can call” if they wish to resume dialogue. He added that the war with Iran could “come to an end very soon.”
Meanwhile, Iran has intensified its diplomatic efforts. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently visited Russia, where he met President Vladimir Putin after prior stops in Pakistan and Oman. Araghchi said his discussions with Putin focused in detail on the war. During his visit to Islamabad, he also presented Pakistani officials with a list of Iranian “red lines” to relay to Washington, including issues related to its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.
Amid these developments, global oil markets remain tense. Brent crude, the international benchmark, continues to trade above $100 per barrel, hovering near its highest level in three weeks.
US senator slams plan to get Green Card applicants for anti-'Israel' views
US Senator Chris Van Hollen has described as “outrageous” a media report that US immigration agents are being trained to reject applicants who criticised 'Israel'.
“Trump plans to deny legal residency in the US based on whether he agrees with your speech,” Van Hollen wrote in a post on X.
“Since when did it become ‘anti-American’ to criticise the actions of a foreign government? Who is he fighting for?” the Democratic senator asked.
US threatens sanctions against companies that work with Iran’s airlines
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says companies that provide services to Iran’s airlines may risk US sanctions under what he called Operation “Economic Fury”.
“Foreign governments should take all actions necessary to ensure that companies in their jurisdictions do not provide services to those aircraft, including the provision of jet fuel, catering, landing fees or maintenance,” Bessent said in a post on X.
“Under Economic Fury, the US Treasury will impose maximum pressure on Iran and will not hesitate to act against any third parties that facilitate or conduct business with Iranian entities.”
The US has already extended its unilateral sanctions against Iran to include an oil refinery in China, as well as 19 shipping companies that own tankers that it says transport Iranian oil.
US skeptical of Iranian proposal as talks continue, WSJ reports
US President Donald Trump and his national security team are skeptical of a new Iranian proposal, according to officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.
The report said Trump has not rejected the proposal from Iran outright, but has expressed doubts about Tehran’s willingness to act in good faith.
Officials also said Trump questioned whether Iran is prepared to meet a key US demand to end its uranium enrichment program, a long-standing point of contention in nuclear negotiations.
Iran’s nuclear activities, particularly uranium enrichment, remain central to disputes between Washington and Tehran, with the US viewing it as a potential pathway to weapons capability.
Iran accuses US of ‘armed robbery on the high seas’
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has reacted to the US capture of two Iran-linked oil tankers, the Majestic X and the Tifani.
“This is the outright legalization of piracy and armed robbery on the high seas,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, posting on X.
“Welcome to the return of the pirates – only now, they operate with government-issued warrants, sail under official flags, and call their plunder ‘law enforcement’,” he added.
The US and Iranian militaries each announced the capture of commercial vessels as Washington and Tehran continue to face off over the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington, Tehran closer than expected: Sources told CNN
Sources told CNN that the United States and Iran are “not as far apart as they appear,” even though no second round of negotiations has taken place in Pakistan.
According to the sources, intensive backchannel diplomacy is continuing behind the scenes, with discussions centered on a phased agreement framework. Mediators are reportedly increasing pressure on both sides to reach progress within days.
The first phase of any potential deal is said to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or fees, a key demand tied to regional trade and energy security.
'Israel' cancels major holiday gatherings over fears of a Hizbollah attack
'Israel' has canceled major public celebrations for the upcoming Lag BaOmer, citing security concerns over a potential attack by Hezbollah.
Authorities had expected around 100,000 mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews to gather at Mount Meron next week. However, the office of Benjamin Netanyahu said the event will be reduced to a smaller, symbolic ceremony.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions along the 'Israel'–Lebanon border. Mount Meron lies about 6 kilometers from Lebanon, raising concerns about the safety of large crowds.
Officials said the move aims to prevent a mass-casualty scenario in the event of cross-border attacks. Similar restrictions were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and previous periods of conflict.
