US Isreal Iran War Latest News: Iranian diplomats are expected to respond officially on Thursday to the mediators concerning the American proposal that would help resolve the current tensions between Iran and the US, according to sources from the region.
This came in light of President Donald Trump’s confirmation that the US conducted “very good talks” with Iran within the past 24 hours, and that they expect a quick agreement to be reached.
“Iran wants to reach an agreement, and we have very good talks over the past 24 hours, and it’s very possible that we reach a deal,” Trump told the press at the Oval Office. “I will end it quickly,” he later added.
US Isreal Iran War Latest News: What Is Included in the Proposed US-Iran Peace Deal?
Based on information provided by the mediation parties, the proposed agreement would officially resolve the dispute initiated on February 28. The draft agreement reportedly is under consideration through a single-page memorandum. The draft arrangement might incorporate:
A resolution of the ongoing dispute between the United States and Iran Restoration of maritime trade via the Strait of Hormuz is on reducing US sanctions against Iran Possible limitations and on the development of Iran’s nuclear program
Nevertheless, significant differences continue to exist, particularly with regards to Iran’s nuclear program and the control of the Strait of Hormuz, which is an essential international energy corridor responsible for carrying around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas production.
US Isreal Iran War Latest News: Iran Responds Cautiously to US Proposal
As Iran is readying its reply, some Iranian officials have already hinted at their skepticism towards the deal. The spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry told ISNA news agency that the country was going to communicate its position to mediators shortly. In another case, Iranian MP Ebrahim Rezaei called the deal “wishful thinking” on behalf of Americans.
Even Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf scoffed at rumors about a potential deal. “Operation Trust Me Bro didn’t work,” Qalibaf said via social media in English, adding that rumors about progress in talks were American propaganda after their failure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
US Isreal Iran War Latest News: Strait of Hormuz Remains Major Flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz continues to remain at the focal point of disagreements between both nations. It is reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy claimed that passage through the strait could be secured by following “new procedures.”
Meanwhile, the US military continued to exert its pressure in the area. The US Central Command confirmed that US troops managed to disable an Iranian ship in the Gulf of Oman, which was trying to head toward an Iranian port despite the imposed blockade. In addition, the US military continues to conduct its blockade operations against Iranian shipping vessels in the area.
US Isreal Iran War Latest News: Trump Pauses Naval Mission in Strait of Hormuz
As noted last week, President Donald Trump has canceled his military mission aimed at releasing the jammed Strait of Hormuz. According to an NBC News report, this development was informed by pressure exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was thought not to support the military mission.
The news outlet indicates that officials from Saudi Arabia were surprised and angry with the military mission announced by President Trump. The officials said that there would be no attacks from American planes based in Saudi Arabian territory during the military mission. An official statement has not been issued concerning the reports.
US Isreal Iran War Latest News: Israel Launches Strike in Beirut
Amid the regional hostilities, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that an Israeli air strike had been conducted against a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut. This was Israel’s first strike in Beirut following the cease-fire accord in Lebanon.
US Isreal Iran War Latest News: Oil Prices Fall, Global Markets Rise on Peace Hopes
Information about potential talks on the issue of peace in the USA-Iran situation impacted the performance of global financial markets. The price of benchmark Brent crude oil plummeted significantly to two-week lows on Wednesday. At some stage, the price tumbled by more than 10% to reach about $98 per barrel before rebounding above the $100 level.
Furthermore, international equities markets were trading up, whereas the bond yield fell in response to expectations of reduced geopolitical risk. “While the details surrounding U.S.-Iran peace initiatives may be scarce, investors now expect no further military conflict,” said Takamasa Ikeda, senior portfolio manager at GCI Asset Management.
