Key facts
- Iran's Foreign Minister stated a memorandum of understanding with the US to end the war is close.
- President Trump denied reports of economic impacts from the conflict, despite evidence of rising fuel and transport costs.
- Sticking points remain in the US-Iran deal, particularly concerning the nuclear dossier and sanctions removal.
- A 60-day period is being discussed to resolve remaining issues and ensure a lasting peace.
- Four activists were jailed in the UK for a raid on an Israeli arms firm.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that a memorandum of understanding with the United States to end the ongoing conflict is nearing finalization, emphasizing that media speculation should cease until the deal is complete. He stated that Lebanon is included in the deal, which stipulates not only a ceasefire but also an Israeli withdrawal.
US President Donald Trump reposted Araghchi's statement on his Truth Social platform, following earlier criticism of Iran for alleged leaks to state media regarding the memorandum's details, which he labeled "fake news." Trump is reportedly seeking an "off-ramp" from the war, aiming for a peace agreement to mitigate political and economic consequences, despite denying that the conflict has had a negative economic impact on the US, such as rising fuel and transport costs.
However, reports from Washington suggest that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is indeed impacting the US economy. Despite Trump's denials, public opinion polls indicate significant opposition to the war within the US, which observers believe influences his approach to negotiations.
In southern Lebanon, there has been a quiet start to the morning, potentially indicating a slowdown in Israeli attacks. However, official confirmation is pending. In the past 24 hours, Israeli air attacks and forced displacement orders were reported in areas north of the "Yellow Line." Israeli attacks have also demolished homes and government buildings in Bint Jbeil, and the military reported an air raid alert due to a hostile aircraft infiltration in the north. One person was killed in Maarakeh.
Significant sticking points remain in the US-Iran deal, particularly concerning the nuclear dossier and sanctions removal, although initial agreements have been reached on issues like the Strait of Hormuz and frozen assets. Both sides are reportedly discussing a 60-day period to resolve these remaining issues and ensure a lasting peace.
Separately, in the UK, four activists from the group Palestine Action were sentenced to jail on "terrorism" charges for a 2024 raid on an Israeli arms firm, Elbit Systems UK. The activists were accused of causing over 1 million pounds ($1.34m) in damages, with one receiving a sentence of seven years and eight months.