Iran says $24bn in assets to be unfrozen as deal nears

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that a memorandum of understanding with the United States is closer than ever, suggesting that $24 billion in Iranian assets could be unfrozen upon its finalization. This potential deal includes a ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as a first phase.

US President Donald Trump reposted Araghchi's statement on his Truth Social platform, a move that followed his earlier dismissal of reports about the deal as 'fake news'. The White House, however, claimed that US military strikes were instrumental in prompting Iran's agreement.

Amidst these developments, Iran's chief justice, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, reiterated a deep-seated distrust of Americans, citing historical events. Meanwhile, US forces reported downing Iranian drones targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim Iran disputes, stating that US requests for changes delayed the deal.

In Lebanon, MP Amin Sherri expressed optimism about the potential US-Iran agreement, suggesting it would benefit Lebanon and negatively impact Israel. Sherri also criticized recent negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, stating that the Lebanese government made concessions without sufficient guarantees and that Hezbollah does not support the continuation of direct talks.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the country as being at a 'fateful juncture,' emphasizing the need for a sovereign state that upholds the rule of law over militia influence. Separately, Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon have been reported, including drone attacks and artillery shelling, leading to evacuations in some towns. There were also reports of Palestinians suffering from tear gas inhalation during an Israeli raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank.