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Middle East

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Trump’s Iran Gamble Ends in a Debacle
politics2 hours ago

Trump’s Iran Gamble Ends in a Debacle

The Bulwark’s authors argue that Trump’s Iran intervention failed to achieve its goals: even several Republican senators warned against a potential deal that would empower Iran, with Cruz and Graham voicing alarm before their positions shifted. The piece contends the effort weakened the U.S., granted Iran sanctions relief and leverage over Hormuz, eroded alliances and credibility, and symbolized a painful moment of American decline—though a brief wave of candor from some opponents is framed as a step toward accountability and recovery.

Trump ties Iran deal to broader Abraham Accords expansion
middle-east7 hours ago

Trump ties Iran deal to broader Abraham Accords expansion

President Trump said any agreement to end the Iran conflict should require several more countries—including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan—to join the Abraham Accords, making participation mandatory and potentially complicating Tehran negotiations; Pakistan’s stance remains unchanged, and Palestinian statehood remains a key hurdle for normalization with some Arab partners.

Qatar’s Quiet Cash to Tehran Complicates Iran-US Talks
middle-east9 hours ago

Qatar’s Quiet Cash to Tehran Complicates Iran-US Talks

Qatar is reported to have provided substantial financial support to Iran in recent weeks as part of efforts surrounding US-Iran negotiations. The funds, tied to access to Iranian deposits and possibly disguised as tanker payments through the Strait of Hormuz, come as Doha seeks to prevent renewed Iranian attacks and to advance a broader deal, including potential cooperation on a shared gas field. US internal divisions over the deal’s terms—funds release, enrichment commitments, and verification—complicate progress, highlighting Qatar’s growing economic role in the talks and the fragile regional dynamics surrounding Iran.

US strikes Iran as ceasefire tests patience and asset talks in Qatar
world12 hours ago

US strikes Iran as ceasefire tests patience and asset talks in Qatar

US forces conducted defensive strikes on southern Iran—targeting missile launch sites and mining vessels—during the seven-week ceasefire, while Tehran’s negotiators arrived in Qatar to push a deal to unfreeze Iranian assets and outline Hormuz management. Trump floated a possible concession on destroying Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile under international oversight, and Israel continued strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon as regional tensions rise in parallel with the talks.

MBS privately tells ally he could recognize Israel today, blocked by his father
middle-east18 hours ago

MBS privately tells ally he could recognize Israel today, blocked by his father

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly told evangelical leader Mike Evans that he would recognize Israel today, but said King Salman was the obstacle; the claim, not independently verified by The Jerusalem Post, comes as Trump pushes a broader push for Arab states to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, linking it to discussions on Iran. Evans described MBS as pro-Israel and critical of the Palestinians, with Riyadh publicly tying recognition to progress on Palestinian issues.

Trump pushes Abraham Accords as Iran peace talks intensify
world1 day ago

Trump pushes Abraham Accords as Iran peace talks intensify

Live updates on the Iran crisis show Trump pressing Gulf states to sign the Abraham Accords as part of a broader peace deal, while Iran reports only superficial injuries to its supreme leader after attacks and ongoing drone activity; Doha and other mediators press for a US-Iran agreement amid disputes over uranium enrichment and Hormuz transit fees, with Russia, China and regional leaders urging a swift diplomatic end.

Israel Labels Emerging US-Iran Framework a 'Bad Deal' Missing Missiles and Proxies
middle-east1 day ago

Israel Labels Emerging US-Iran Framework a 'Bad Deal' Missing Missiles and Proxies

Israeli officials call the emerging US-Iran framework a 'bad deal' because it reportedly fails to curb Iran’s missile program or its regional proxies, potentially restricting Israel’s actions in Lebanon and elsewhere. Prime Minister Netanyahu convened a group of ministers and security officials to discuss the nascent agreement as negotiations continue. While US officials signal broad support from Tehran’s leadership, Israeli assessments say Tehran will seek to buy time rather than fully abandon its nuclear program, with sticking points including verification/monitoring, what happens to damaged nuclear infrastructure, and Hezbollah’s inclusion in any ceasefire.

Lebanon Braces as Israeli Strikes Persist Amid US-Iran Peace Talks
middle-east1 day ago

Lebanon Braces as Israeli Strikes Persist Amid US-Iran Peace Talks

Israeli strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon continued Sunday, killing 11 in Sir al-Gharbiyeh and hitting Nabatieh, Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, and a civil-defence facility as evacuation warnings were issued, despite a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war. Hezbollah remains engaged with Israel as regional tensions mount amid signs of a near US-Iran peace deal that could include Lebanon, while Lebanon and Israel press direct talks under US mediation and Israeli forces stay inside a declared border line.

US-Iran outline aims to extend ceasefire and reopen Hormuz
world1 day ago

US-Iran outline aims to extend ceasefire and reopen Hormuz

The United States and Iran have drafted a framework to extend the ceasefire by 60 days while pursuing a final deal to end the war, including a plan to demine and reopen the Strait of Hormuz; markets reacted positively to the prospect, with oil prices slipping and stocks rising, though implementation timing and details remain uncertain.

Trump Pushes Near Iran Deal as Wicker Warns Against It
world2 days ago

Trump Pushes Near Iran Deal as Wicker Warns Against It

President Donald Trump said there is a “largely negotiated” deal with Iran to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz after calls with regional leaders, describing it as a Memorandum of Understanding to be finalized by the U.S., Iran, and partners. Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker cautioned that a rumored 60-day ceasefire would be a disaster. Regional officials say the U.S. and Iran are close to a framework including an end-of-war declaration and two months of nuclear talks, with sanctions relief and Hormuz reopening on the table; Iran’s officials say nuclear issues are not part of current negotiations, though lifting sanctions remains a fixed position. The ceasefire has held since April, but tensions persist with regional proxies and ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs.

GOP Critics Warn 60-Day Iran Ceasefire Could Strengthen Tehran and Tilt the Region
world-news2 days ago

GOP Critics Warn 60-Day Iran Ceasefire Could Strengthen Tehran and Tilt the Region

Republican leaders criticized reports of a proposed 60-day Iran ceasefire framework, arguing it could empower Tehran by leaving Iran with funds, influence over the Strait of Hormuz, or nuclear capabilities, shifting the regional balance and undermining U.S. gains; they warned the deal would be a disaster for allies like Israel, while Trump described the talks as largely negotiated.