Day 94 | Iran signals progress in US talks as 'Israel' pushes deeper into Lebanon
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said exchanges of messages with the United States remain ongoing, stressing that nothing is certain until a final agreement is reached. The comments came as negotiations continue amid warnings from Washington that military action remains an option if diplomacy fails.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States is prepared to resume strikes against Iran should the current talks collapse. Meanwhile, Iranian parliamentary speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf insisted Tehran would not accept any deal with Washington unless there are firm guarantees protecting the rights of the Iranian people, according to state media.
The diplomatic developments coincided with escalating tensions in Lebanon, where 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had instructed the military to expand its ground operations following the occupation of the strategic Beaufort Castle.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the move, accusing 'Israel' of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy" as its forces deepen their invasion of southern Lebanon.
UK foreign minister says 'Israel' has "eroded space for diplomacy" in Lebanon
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for an end to 'Israel's' military operations in Lebanon, saying they have undermined diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
In a post on X, Cooper said that 'Israel's' military escalation had killed and displaced civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and "eroded space for diplomacy."
She stressed that the military campaign "must end" and called on all sides to uphold the ceasefire.
Cooper also urged Hezbollah to disarm and halt attacks on 'Israel', while emphasizing the need for all parties to engage in negotiations in good faith to prevent further escalation.
UAE condemns settlers raising 'Israeli' flag at Al-Aqsa
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the incursion of 'Israeli' settlers into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of 'Israeli' police, describing the actions as provocative and extremist.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced reports that several settlers raised the 'Israeli' flag inside the mosque compound, stressing that such actions are unacceptable and risk escalating tensions.
The ministry reiterated the need to respect the historic and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque and called for ensuring the protection of all religious holy sites. It also urged efforts to prevent further provocations that could undermine regional stability.
Day 93 of the US-‘Israeli’ war on Iran
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