🌍 U.S.-Iran Negotiations Center on Inspections and Hormuz: President Trump stated that Iran has agreed to what he described as the highest level of nuclear inspections "long into the future," arguing that the arrangement was a prerequisite for continued negotiations. He said additional Iranian concessions contributed to the decision not to proceed with a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump noted that U.S. naval forces remain positioned in the region but described the likelihood of reinstating a blockade as low. He also announced that sanctions-relief funds would be placed into U.S.-controlled escrow accounts and restricted to purchases of food and medical supplies from the United States, including agricultural products.
In a separate statement, Trump highlighted record oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, citing approximately 19 million barrels moving through the waterway in a single day while noting declining oil prices.
⚛️ Inspection Dispute Remains a Central Issue: Despite U.S. statements describing an inspection agreement, Iranian leaders are reportedly resisting demands for International Atomic Energy Agency access following comments by Vice President Vance that inspectors would be permitted into the country.
Trump reiterated that continued international oversight remains a condition for negotiations, emphasized that Iran must uphold its commitments, and repeated that Iran would never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. He added that the United States would "do what needs to be done" if Tehran withdrew from the agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz is currently fully open, with oil shipments increasing through the strategic waterway.
🤝 Washington Hosts Fifth Round of Israel-Lebanon Talks: The fifth round of Israel-Lebanon discussions is taking place in Washington.
Israel's ambassador to the United States, participating in the talks, said the discussions are based on the premise that Iran should not influence Lebanese affairs, while cautioning that recent regional developments may have strengthened Hezbollah's position.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized support for Lebanese sovereignty, stating: "The future of Lebanon belongs to the Lebanese people through their sovereign, elected government."
⚠️ Conflicting Accounts Follow Southern Lebanon Incident: Hezbollah accused Israel of violating the ceasefire after an incident near Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. The organization claimed Israeli forces fired on civilians engaged in road clearing and recovery efforts, with Lebanese media reporting two fatalities and additional wounded.
The IDF provided a different account, stating that troops operating near the Ali al-Taher Ridge identified four Hezbollah operatives on a bulldozer and motorcycle after they entered the Security Zone and advanced toward Israeli forces.
According to the military, warning shots were fired first. When the individuals continued approaching and ignored calls from troops, additional fire was directed at the group. The IDF said at least one operative was struck.
Israel further stated that Hezbollah routinely operates under civilian cover and described the incident as another example of the organization's use of civilian infrastructure and populations to conceal military activity.
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