★USA
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Trump Says US-Iran Deal Near Completion, Dispute Over Strait Reopening
US President Donald Trump said a largely negotiated US-Iran memorandum would reopen the Strait of Hormuz during a 60-day ceasefire extension, but Iranian media disputed the claim. Reports suggest Pakistan-mediated talks have made progress on easing sanctions, oil sales, and nuclear negotiations, though key disputes over strait control and verification remain unresolved.
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US Excluded Israel From Iran Negotiations
The US reportedly sidelined Israel from its Iran talks, with Israeli officials saying they learned of developments through regional channels rather than direct consultation. According to the New York Times, the negotiations focused on a ceasefire framework, easing sanctions, and Hormuz access, raising Israeli concerns over being left out of key security and nuclear discussions.
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Pakistan Offers to Host Upcoming US-Iran Peace Talks
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Donald Trump’s peace efforts and said Islamabad is ready to host the next round of US-Iran talks. The proposed agreement reportedly includes a ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting restrictions on Iranian ports, and releasing frozen Iranian funds as part of broader regional de-escalation efforts.
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Report Claims IRGC-Linked Plot Targeted Ivanka Trump
A New York Post report claims Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Al-Saadi, allegedly linked to Iran’s IRGC, plotted to assassinate Ivanka Trump in retaliation for Qassem Soleimani’s killing. Authorities said he possessed plans of her Florida home and faces charges tied to multiple attacks on US and Jewish targets across Europe and North America.
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★IRAN
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Iran Says Nuclear Issue Excluded From Initial US Deal Framework
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the nuclear file is not part of the initial US-Iran understanding, prioritizing an end to ongoing regional conflicts instead. He noted talks are moving toward a broader framework with delayed nuclear negotiations, while Pakistan-mediated diplomacy continues, and US officials signal possible progress toward a ceasefire agreement.
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★LEBANON
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Iran Promises Hezbollah Lebanon in Islamabad Deal
Iran reportedly told Hezbollah that Lebanon would be included in the “Islamabad deal” under negotiation with the United States to end the war, according to a message from Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Naim Qassem, reaffirming support for Hezbollah and calling for a durable ceasefire in Lebanon, while cross-border attacks with Israel continue to intensify.
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Israeli Strikes Intensify in South Lebanon During Escalation Warnings
Israel issued evacuation warnings and carried out heavy airstrikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa, killing civilians and targeting Hezbollah positions, while Hezbollah responded with drone attacks on Israeli sites. Lebanese politician Walid Jumblatt warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will continue escalating the conflict as regional tensions rapidly worsen.
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★THE GULF
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Qatar Emir Discusses Regional Stability With Key Leaders
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held separate calls with US President Donald Trump, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional tensions, diplomatic efforts, maritime security, and political solutions aimed at promoting stability amid escalating regional security challenges linked to Iran.
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Iran Holds Gulf Talks to Ease Regional Tensions
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with officials from Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iraq on regional de-escalation efforts and ongoing diplomacy. Qatar stressed freedom of navigation and warned against using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage, while Pakistani and Qatari mediation efforts in Tehran aimed to reduce US-Iran tensions.
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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.
