Key facts
- President Trump has given Iran a 60-day deadline to reach a deal or face unspecified action.
- The proposed deal includes waivers on U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil.
- An interim ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is reportedly on the verge of collapse.
- Iran's top military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran's military called the Strait of Hormuz closure a 'first step' and warned of more measures.
- U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter stated there is no evidence Iran is closing the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. and Iranian envoys are traveling to Switzerland for nuclear talks.
- A ceasefire in Lebanon is a condition for the nuclear negotiations.
- Senator Lindsey Graham called Iran 'delusional' and backed President Trump's diplomacy.
- President Trump thanked China and Russia for remaining neutral in the Iran conflict.
President Trump has issued a 60-day ultimatum to Iran, demanding a deal with Washington or facing unspecified consequences. This ultimatum includes waivers on U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian oil, a move that has drawn criticism from some allies. Concurrently, reports indicate that the interim ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is on the verge of collapse, described as "hanging by a thread."
In a significant escalation, Iran's top military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. The Iranian military described this closure as a "first step," warning of further measures if perceived aggression persists. This action has heightened concerns over global oil transport amidst ongoing clashes between Hizbollah and Israel. However, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter stated that there is no evidence Iran is actually closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite these tensions, U.S. and Iranian envoys are reportedly traveling to Switzerland for nuclear talks, with the aim of solidifying an interim deal. A ceasefire in Lebanon, which has seen Israeli strikes killing at least 10 people shortly after taking effect, is a stated condition for these negotiations. Senator Lindsey Graham has characterized Iran's post-war position as "delusional," supporting President Trump's diplomatic approach and a recent memorandum of understanding.
President Trump also acknowledged thanking Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for their neutrality during the recent conflict with Iran, attributing their non-intervention to helping resolve the situation. A senior Hezbollah lawmaker, however, stated that any ceasefire with Israel is meaningless while Israeli forces occupy Lebanese territory, vowing a response to further aggression. Iran has also warned the U.S. of consequences for alleged ceasefire violations.