Day 87 | Trump says US will not “rush into a deal” with Iran
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President Donald Trump said Sunday that he had told US negotiators "not to rush into a deal" with Iran amid anticipation -- and mounting criticism -- of an agreement to end the war in the Middle East.
"The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.
"The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed," he wrote.
The United States has imposed a blockade of Iranian ports since April 13 after Tehran virtually halted traffic through the economically vital Strait of Hormuz in response to the US-‘Israeli’ attacks on Iran that began February 28.
“Both sides must take their time and get it right,” Trump wrote in the same Truth Social post, while slamming the 2015 nuclear deal that former president Barack Obama agreed with Iran.
"Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one. They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb," Trump wrote.
While the White House has not released aspects of the deal, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Saturday on state television that the two sides were nearing "a memorandum of understanding, a kind of framework agreement composed of 14 clauses" in "a trend toward rapprochement."
According to news outlet Axios, a possible agreement would extend the current ceasefire by 60 days, during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, Iran would freely sell oil, and negotiations would be held on Iran’s nuclear program.
It cited a senior US official as saying there are still details "to work out," and the "slow and opaque" nature of Iran's decision-making system could delay an agreement by another few days.
"Our understanding is that the Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has endorsed the broad template of the deal," the official said. "Whether this becomes an agreement is still an open question."
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Read more: Day 88 | Progress of US-Iran peace talks slows down
Reports of three explosions heard in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran
Iranian media reports that three explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city in southern Iran, amid unclear circumstances.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, with further details expected soon.
Iran sentences alleged Mossad-linked spy to death
Iranian authorities announced that Gholamreza Khani Shokrab, accused of serving as an operational coordinator for 'Israel’s' Mossad intelligence agency abroad, has been sentenced to death after being convicted of leading a sabotage network inside Iran.
According to Iranian media, he allegedly organized intelligence and operational missions aimed at creating unrest, carrying out targeted assassinations, disrupting public services, and conducting propaganda activities in several provinces before being arrested alongside other network members in a coordinated security operation.
Iran’s Araghchi voices support for Hezbollah amid regional tensions and US-Iran talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued messages of support to Lebanese officials and Hezbollah leaders, reaffirming Tehran’s backing for what it describes as Lebanon’s “resistance” and its stance against 'Israel', according to statements reported by regional media.
In separate messages, Araghchi congratulated Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem on the anniversary of “Resistance and Liberation Day,” which marks the 'Israeli' withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000.
Araghchi extended congratulations to the Lebanese government, people, and “resistance,” while emphasizing Iran’s continued support for Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of 'Israel'.
Washington Post reveals outlines of first phase of Washington-Tehran agreement
An emerging agreement between the United States and Iran could bring an end to the ongoing regional war and ease tensions across the Middle East, according to a report published by The Washington Post citing two regional officials and a US official familiar with the negotiations.
US President Donald Trump said over the weekend that the deal had been “largely negotiated” following calls with regional allies and a separate conversation with Israel, though officials cautioned that it remains unclear when the agreement could be finalized or implemented.
According to the report, Tehran has insisted throughout negotiations that any agreement must include an end to hostilities on all fronts following the military campaign launched 12 weeks ago by the United States and 'Israel' against Iran. The strikes reportedly killed several senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Hezbollah explosive drones hit northern 'Israel' border areas; no injuries reported
Explosive drones launched by Hezbollah struck the northern 'Israeli' border community of Shomera and a nearby military zone on Monday amid a wider wave of aerial attacks targeting northern 'Israel', according to the 'Israeli' military.
The Israeli Occupation Forces said several additional “suspicious aerial targets” were detected during multiple alerts but were later lost from radar, indicating they may have crashed or exited monitored airspace.
No injuries were reported in the incidents, which remain under investigation by the military.
Qalibaf and Araqchi arrive in Doha for crucial deal talks
Reuters reported that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have arrived in the Qatari capital of Doha to discuss the potential finalized text of a landmark agreement between Tehran and Washington.
Hezbollah footage of drone strikes against ‘Israeli’ forces
Footage released by Hezbollah on Sunday showing what the group says are several drone strikes against ‘Israeli’ forces in the southern Lebanese village of Rachaf carried out throughout the month of May.
Rubio says Iran deal still possible Monday
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that a deal to end the war with Iran could materialise "today", adding that ‘Israel’ had the right to defend itself against attack.
"We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today, I wouldn't read too much into it," Rubio said in New Delhi, referring to the potential agreement.
"Israel always has a right to protect itself... if Hezbollah is going to launch missiles or launches missiles at them, Israel has every right to respond to that," he told reporters as he departed the Indian capital, where he has been on an official visit.
Japan's Nikkei jumps over 3% on Iran deal hopes
Japan's Nikkei share index soared more than three percent on Monday on hopes of a deal to end to the US-Iran war, despite President Donald Trump downplaying its imminence.
At around 0145 GMT, the Nikkei 225 was up 3.2 percent at 65,363.57 points.
US-Iran deal could “take few more days” to finalize: CNN
The expected signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran could take a “few more days” to be finalized, according to CNN citing a senior US official.
The delay is attributed to Iran’s long process of approval and changes in the MoU’s wording, according to the official.
“How much longer it takes depends on how quickly Iran responds to some wording requests made by the US,” CNN said.
