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US Iran War News: Khamenei’s isolation slowing US-Iran deal as Supreme Leader operating from 'secret' location

Iranian state media said Tehran sees increasing convergence in its talks with the United States, although significant differences ...

The Times of India | May 25, 2026, 06:27:44 IST

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06:27 (IST), May, 25

US futures rise, oil and dollar slip on hopes of Iran diplomacy breakthrough

US stock futures climbed on Monday while oil prices and the dollar weakened, as investors grew more optimistic that diplomatic efforts could avert a prolonged conflict involving Iran.

Nasdaq futures advanced 0.89% and S&P 500 futures rose 0.6% in early trading, signalling improving investor confidence and stronger risk appetite across global markets.

Meanwhile, the dollar surrendered part of its recent gains. The euro climbed 0.37% to $1.1646, while the Japanese yen strengthened to 158.85 per dollar as demand for traditional safe-haven assets eased.

05:01 (IST), May, 25

Khamenei’s isolation slowing US-Iran negotiations, says report

Iran’s supreme leader is reportedly operating from a tightly secured undisclosed location with highly limited communication access, complicating ongoing negotiations with the United States, according to a report by CBS News citing US officials familiar with the matter.

The report said Mojtaba Khamenei is being contacted through what officials described as a “labyrinth of couriers,” creating communication bottlenecks even for Iranian officials engaged in diplomacy with the Trump administration.

A White House spokesperson declined to comment on intelligence related to Khamenei’s location or Iran’s internal communication network, CBS reported.

Despite the communication challenges, a senior Trump administration official told the network that Khamenei has approved the general framework of the current draft agreement.

04:50 (IST), May, 25

Oil prices fall over 5% on hopes for Iran deal

04:08 (IST), May, 25

Iran signals readiness for both deal and confrontation amid US talks

Although signs point to a possible preliminary memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, Tehran is also preparing for the possibility that the negotiations could collapse at this stage.

Iran’s Armed Forces, citing what they describe as the US government’s history of militarism and alleged crimes, along with the threat of hostile action by Washington or the Israeli government, say they remain on full alert regardless of the outcome of the talks.

A military source recently told Tasnim News Agency that any renewed “miscalculation” or military action by the US against Iran would trigger what officials called a “third version of confrontation” — one that would differ from previous conflicts in its strategy, tactics, objectives, and weaponry.

03:24 (IST), May, 25

Marco Rubio warns Hezbollah against undermining stability in Lebanon

Marco Rubio warned Hezbollah against undermining stability in Lebanon, while reaffirming Washington’s backing for the Lebanese government, as regional diplomacy increasingly centers on whether any agreement involving Iran can also curb tensions linked to Tehran’s allies.

“The era in which a terrorist group held an entire nation hostage is coming to an end,” Rubio wrote on X.

Iranian officials have consistently argued that any lasting easing of tensions must go beyond direct US-Iran relations and address conflicts involving regional partners, especially Hezbollah in Lebanon.

02:02 (IST), May, 25

Trump backing away from Iran deal, says report

“A well-informed Iranian source tells me there are signs of US retreat on two central issues: the mechanism for unfreezing Iranian assets, and the scope of a ceasefire in Lebanon,” Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem wrote on X.

00:27 (IST), May, 25

'Deal not fully negotiated,' says Trump; slams Obama regime for giving Iran 'massive cash and a clear and open path to a nuclear weapon'

"If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one, not like the one made by Obama, which gave Iran massive amounts of CASH, and a clear and open path to a Nuclear Weapon. Our deal is the exact opposite, but nobody has seen it, or knows what it is. It isn’t even fully negotiated yet. So don’t listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about. Unlike those before me who should have solved this problem many years ago, I don’t make bad deals!" he said.

23:51 (IST), May, 24

US Iran War News: Trump says US-Iran deal will be ‘exact opposite’ of Obama nuclear agreement

US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran, claiming any future agreement with Tehran would be fundamentally different from the nuclear deal signed during former President Barack Obama’s tenure.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the proposed agreement was still under negotiation and criticised opponents for attacking details that had not yet been made public.

“If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one, not like the one made by Obama, which gave Iran massive amounts of CASH, and a clear and open path to a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump wrote.

“Our deal is the exact opposite, but nobody has seen it, or knows what it is. It isn’t even fully negotiated yet,” he added.

Trump also lashed out at critics questioning the negotiations, saying, “So don’t listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about.”

“Unlike those before me who should have solved this problem many years ago, I don’t make bad deals!” he said.

The remarks come amid reports of ongoing backchannel discussions between Washington and Tehran over a possible ceasefire framework and nuclear-related understandings following weeks of escalating tensions in West Asia.

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23:41 (IST), May, 24

'Highly technical matters': Marco Rubio now says Iran nuclear deal can't be done in 72 hours

US secretary of state Marco Rubio told The New York Times on Sunday that an agreement with Iran had garnered regional support but a nuclear deal couldn't be achieved "in 72 hours on the back of a napkin."


His comments came after US President Donald Trump told his negotiators "not to rush into a deal" with Iran to end the three-month war.


"We're not kicking it till later. Nuclear talks are highly technical matters. You can't do a nuclear thing in 72 hours on the back of a napkin," Rubio told the Times in a brief interview.


"So right now, we have seven or eight countries in the region that are endorsing this approach, and we're prepared to move forward on this approach," he said.

22:29 (IST), May, 24

Hezbollah chief says hopes for Iran-US deal and that it includes Lebanon

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem expressed hope on Sunday for an agreement between his group's backer Iran and the United States and that Lebanon would be part of its terms.

"God willing, this agreement will be finalised and there are signs of its completion, and accordingly that we too will be among those included in this agreement -- an agreement of a full cessation of hostilities," he said in a televised address.

Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that "a memorandum of understanding (MOU) would first be announced, stressing an end to fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon", while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said US President Donald Trump had reaffirmed his support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats, including from Hezbollah.

22:10 (IST), May, 24

'Don't hold direct talks with Israel': Hezbollah urges Lebanon govt

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Sunday again urged Lebanese authorities to abandon direct talks with Israel, ahead of a fourth round of such discussions in Washington early next month.

"Direct negotiations are completely unacceptable and are a pure gain for Israel," he said. Addressing Lebanese authorities, he added: "Abandon the direct negotiations and do not give to America so that it gives to Israel... don't be with them and stab us in the back."

21:50 (IST), May, 24

Hezbollah chief says group's disarmament unacceptable, amounts to 'annihilation'

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said Sunday that his group's disarmament was unacceptable and amounted to "annihilation", as Lebanon prepares for a new round of direct talks with Israel in Washington early next month.

"Disarmament means stripping Lebanon of its defensive capability and the capability of the resistance (Hezbollah) and this people, paving the way for annihilation," he said in a televised address, adding: "Disarmament is annihilation and we cannot accept it."

A state monopoly on weapons demanded by Lebanese authorities "at this stage is aimed at targeting the resistance and is an Israeli project", he added.

21:19 (IST), May, 24

'PM repsonsible for prevailing oil crisis in India': AAP MP Sanjay Singh

Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Sunday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "responsible" for the prevailing oil crisis in India.

When people of India are standing in queues for hours before fuel stations, the union government has exported petrol and diesel worth Rs 52,000 crore to other countries, Singh alleged while addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar.

"Iran was providing crude oil to India at a cheaper price in rupees. However, due to restrictions imposed by the USA, you (Centre) are not able to procure crude oil from Iran," Singh claimed.

"The biggest crisis in the country today is something for which the Prime Minister is directly responsible. He should think about how to deal with it and present a clear policy to the country," Singh added.

20:37 (IST), May, 24

'Any final agreement with Iran must remove nuclear threat': Benjamin Netanyahu

President Trump and I agreed that any final agreement with Iran must remove the nuclear threat. He reiterated Israel's right to defend itself against threats on all fronts, including in Lebanon: Benjamin Netanyahu

20:35 (IST), May, 24

'Iran will not have nuclear weapons': Netanyahu says his policy remains unchanged

"My policy, like President Trump's policy, remains unchanged: Iran will not have nuclear weapons. This means dismantling Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities and removing the enriched nuclear material from its territory: Benjamin Netanyahu

20:24 (IST), May, 24

11, including six children, killed in Israeli strike: Lebanon health ministry

Lebanon's health ministry said Sunday that an Israeli strike the previous day in the country's south killed 11 people including six women and a child, despite a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war.

"The Israeli enemy strike on the town of Sir al-Gharbiyeh in the Nabatieh district resulted in a massacre whose final toll is 11 dead including a child and six women, and nine wounded including four children and a woman," the ministry said in a statement.

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20:03 (IST), May, 24

'US won't rush into a deal': Trump on Iran peace talks

One of the worst deals ever made by our Country was the Iran Nuclear Deal, put forth and signed into existence by Barack Hussein Obama and the rank amateurs of the Obama Administration. It was a direct path to Iran developing a Nuclear Weapon. Not so with the transaction currently being negotiated with Iran by the Trump Administration - THE EXACT OPPOSITE, in fact! The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side. The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed. Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes! Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one. They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. I would like to thank, thus far, all of the countries of the Middle East for their support and cooperation, which will be further enhanced and strengthened by their joining the Nations of the historic Abraham Accords and, who knows, perhaps the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to join, as well! Thank you for your attention to this matter: Donald Trump on Truth Social

19:46 (IST), May, 24

Trump told Netanyahu will insist final Iran deal ends nuclear programme: Israeli official

US President Donald Trump has assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he will hold firm on his demand for the dismantling of Iran's nuclear programme as a condition in any final agreement with Tehran, a senior Israeli official told AFP on Sunday.

"President Trump made clear that he will remain steadfast in the negotiations regarding his longstanding demand for the dismantlement of Iran's nuclear programme and the removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory, and that he will not sign a final agreement absent these conditions," the official said, referring to a conversation between the two leaders on Saturday night.

"The United States is updating Israel on the negotiations surrounding the memorandum of understanding for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and initiating talks toward a final agreement on the outstanding disputed issues," the official said.

During their talk, Netanyahu stressed that Israel "will preserve its freedom of action against threats on all fronts, including Lebanon," the official added. "President Trump reiterated his support for this principle."

19:24 (IST), May, 24

'Our fighters have their hands on trigger': EX-IRGC chief

Former IRGC chief Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said on Sunday that Iran's forces would act to secure the country for the next 50 years.

“Our fighters have their hands on the trigger today, and our negotiators are working to secure the rights of the Iranian people. The war is being managed on both fronts,” he added.

19:20 (IST), May, 24

What Netanyahu reportedly told Trump in their Saturday phone call

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US President Donald Trump Israel would remain free to act against threats in Lebanon during a phone
call about an emerging agreement between Washington and Iran on Saturday, an Israeli source said.

Trump said Washington and Iran had "largely negotiated" a memorandum of understanding on ‌a peace deal ⁠that ⁠would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping passage that has been effectively closed since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in February.

"In last night's conversation with President Trump, the Prime Minister emphasized that Israel will maintain freedom of action against threats in all arenas, including Lebanon, and President Trump reiterated and supported this principle," the Israeli ⁠political source ‌told Reuters on Sunday, asking not to be named.

18:56 (IST), May, 24

Israel military issues evacuation warning for around dozen villages in Lebanon

Israel's military on Sunday warned residents of around a dozen villages in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate their homes ahead of expected strikes against alleged Hezbollah targets.

"For your safety, we urge you to immediately move at least 1,000 metres away from the areas mentioned," the military's Arabic-language spokesman, Colonel Avichay Adraee, said in a post on X, listing the names of the villages.

18:26 (IST), May, 24

Trump makes cryptic Truth Social post amid US-Iran talks

17:53 (IST), May, 24

Iran forces ready for severe response to attacks, senior commander says

A senior Iranian military commander warned on Sunday that the armed forces were ready to deliver a severe response to any attacks on the country.

Ali Abdollahi, the commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the forces “will impose the Islamic Republic’s power and dignity on the enemy, and they are ready to deliver a hard and hellish response to any aggression.”

17:22 (IST), May, 24

Iran secretly bought Chinese satellite tech via UAE, then struck Abu Dhabi: Report

Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards used a United Arab Emirates-based procurement network to secretly acquire advanced Chinese satellite communication equipment linked to Tehran’s drone and missile programme, according to leaked commercial and shipping records reviewed by the Financial Times.

The revelations expose how a company operating from the UAE helped supply sensitive communications technology to the same branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that later launched a massive barrage of drones and missiles at the Gulf state during Iran’s retaliation against US-Israeli strikes. The documents also shed light on the sophisticated methods used to conceal the shipment’s final destination and bypass scrutiny despite years of Western sanctions targeting Iran’s military procurement apparatus. Read full story here

16:46 (IST), May, 24

'No compromise on our country's honour; not seeking nuclear weapons': Iran President Pezeshkian

President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons, as negotiations with the US on Iran’s nuclear programme continue.

“We are ready to reassure the world that we are not seeking nuclear weapons,” Pezeshkian said, according to local media reports.

But he emphasised that Iran’s negotiating team “will not compromise” when it comes to its “honour and dignity”.

16:30 (IST), May, 24

Israeli drone shot down in Iranian airspace, reports state media

Iran's Mehr news agency says an Israeli spy drone was downed in the airspace of Iran's Hormozgan.

16:04 (IST), May, 24

EU chief von der Leyen hails 'progress' towards US-Iran agreement

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday welcomed "progress towards an agreement between the US and Iran" to end the Middle East war, as American officials said a deal could be announced soon.

"We need a deal that truly de-escalates the conflict, reopens the Strait of Hormuz and guarantees toll free full freedom of navigation. Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon," the European Commission president posted online.

15:47 (IST), May, 24

IDF dismantles Hezbollah 'terror tunnel' in southern Lebanon

15:08 (IST), May, 24

'No decision without Supreme Leader's approval': Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian

No decision in Iran will be made without the permission of the Supreme Leader, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday, according to semi-official news agency Tasnim, after US President Donald Trump said a peace agreement has been “largely negotiated.”

Pezeshkian also said no decision would be made outside the framework of the Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s constitutional authority for defence and national security.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since he was inaugurated in March — leading to speculation about his health and whereabouts — after US-Israeli strikes killed his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

14:59 (IST), May, 24

US-Iran differences remain over 'one or two clauses': Report


Iran's Tasnim news agency said US-Iran differences remained over one or two clauses. Tasnim cited a source as saying there would be no final understanding if the US continued to create obstacles.

14:55 (IST), May, 24

Iran executes man for spying during war with US and Israel

Iran on Sunday hanged a man convicted of espionage, the judiciary said, the first known execution for a spying offence committed during the war with Israel and the United States.

"Mojtaba Kian... who sent information related to the country's defence industry units to the enemy, was hanged early this morning," the judiciary's Mizan Online website reported.

Since the start of the conflict, Iran has stepped up executions for spying or collaborating with Israel and the US, although prior to Sunday all those hanged were sentenced for offences carried out before the war.

According to Mizan, Kian "sent multiple messages to hostile networks affiliated with the Zionist-American enemy, including coordinates and information on facilities producing parts related to the country's defence industries".

Mizan said he sent information to satellite television networks. It did not identify those networks, but Iranian authorities have frequently accused Persian-language media outlets based abroad of cooperating with Israel.

The Mizan report said one "targeted location" in Iran was struck during the war after Kian passed on information about its whereabouts.

"The sentence was carried out early this morning after completion of legal formalities," Mizan said.

The website said Kian's execution took place "less than 50 days" after his arrest, while his assets were also confiscated.

Iran carries out the second-highest number of executions in the world after China, according to rights groups including Amnesty International.

14:16 (IST), May, 24

UK's Starmer 'welcomes the progress' towards deal to end US-Iran war

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday welcomed "the progress towards an agreement" to end the Iran war, as US officials said an announcement on a deal could be expected later in the day.

"We will work with our international partners to seize this moment and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement," Starmer said in a post on X.

13:37 (IST), May, 24

Iran hits back at Rubio’s ‘energy hostage’ remark, blames US sanctions for global market turmoil

Iran on Sunday rejected recent remarks made by US secretary of state Marco Rubio accusing Washington of trying to “distort the realities of the region” and diverting “attention from the destabilizing policies of the United States and the Zionist regime.” Read full story

13:26 (IST), May, 24

Rubio says announcement on US-Iran peace deal possible later today

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said an announcement was possible later Sunday on a deal with Iran.

"I do think perhaps there is the possibility that in the next few hours the world will get some good news," Rubio told reporters in New Delhi.

11:24 (IST), May, 24

IRGC commander warns of sweeping response across the region if Iran attacked

IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi warned that any fresh attack on Iran would trigger a sweeping response across the region and beyond, saying the country’s forces were at peak combat readiness.

In a message, Vahidi said Iran’s armed forces remained at their “highest level of readiness and active deterrence” across missile, air, naval, ground, space and cyber operations.

11:02 (IST), May, 24

High-stakes US-Iran 60-day ceasefire memorandum nears final approval: Report

A high-stakes memorandum for a 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran is in its final stages, with negotiators working to close remaining gaps and avert further escalation in the region, including reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of Iranian oil sales, according to an Axios report citing US officials.

According to a senior US official, the draft agreement hinges on a strict diplomatic architecture of "relief for performance." If implemented, the deal would immediately reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, temporarily ease global energy market pressures, and establish a high-stakes 60-day window to negotiate the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program.

A US official, as cited by Axios, described the mechanism as conditional, stating, "the faster the Iranians clear the mines and let shipping resume, the faster the blockade will be lifted."

10:23 (IST), May, 24

'Positive stride' taking place towards peace deal between Iran and the US: Iran's envoy to Pakistan

Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said on Sunday that a “positive stride” was taking place, apparently towards a peace deal between his country and the US, following the latest mediatory efforts by Pakistan.

He said in a social media statement that Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, after returning from Tehran, “congratulated me on the achievements of the negotiations with the officials of my country”.

"With conservative optimism, we can hope that, if the other side is adequately committed, a positive stride is taking shape, which is the result of the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran based on dignity, the steadfastness of the courageous armed forces and the resistance of the brave Iranian nation, as well as the initiative and dedicated endeavours of the Pakistani mediator,” he said on X.

08:45 (IST), May, 24

Iran agreed to give up enriched uranium under Trump-announced deal: Report

US officials said Iran has agreed in principle to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium under a US-Iran framework announced by President Donald Trump, according to a New York Times report.

The officials said key questions remain unresolved, including how Iran would surrender the material, with those details expected to be addressed in future negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

According to the report, Iran had initially resisted including the uranium stockpile in the first phase of the agreement. However, US negotiators warned they would walk away from talks and resume military action unless Tehran made a commitment on the issue.

Iran currently possesses around 970 pounds of uranium enriched to 60%, the report said. Options discussed separately include shipping the material abroad or diluting it. The White House declined to comment on the proposal’s specifics.

08:02 (IST), May, 24

Trump says a deal with Iran, opening of Strait of Hormuz are 'largely negotiated'

President Donald Trump said Saturday that a deal with Iran on the war, including opening the Strait of Hormuz, has been “largely negotiated” after calls with Israel and other allies in the region.

“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump said on social media, with no details. He said he had spoken with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, and separately with Israel.

He described it as a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE" that still must be finalised by the United States, Iran and the other countries that participated in the calls. It capped a week in which the US weighed a new round of attacks on the Islamic Republic that would break a fragile ceasefire.

08:01 (IST), May, 24

Iran rejects Trump's claim on Strait of Hormuz, says Tehran will retain control

Iran on Sunday rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that the Strait of Hormuz would return to its previous status under a proposed agreement, with Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency stating that Tehran would continue to maintain control.

According to the report, Iran has agreed only to allow the number of passing ships to return to pre-war levels, but this "in no way means a return to free passage" as it existed before the conflict.

Fars News Agency stated that the management of the Strait of Hormuz, including shipping routes, timing of passage and permits, would remain "exclusively under the authority of Iran."

Even as Trump had previously declared negotiations over Iran's nuclear program as one of the main and indispensable conditions for any agreement, no commitment has been made by Iran, and the nuclear file has not been discussed at all, the report stated.

07:59 (IST), May, 24

Pakistan hopes to host new round of Iran-US talks 'very soon': Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday he hoped his country could soon host the next round of peace talks between Iran and the United States.

"Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon," Sharif, whose country has played a key role in mediating between Washington and Tehran, posted on X.

06:02 (IST), May, 24

Several gunshots heard near White House during Trump's Iran talks

Earlier in the evening, Trump said on social media that discussions concerning a possible “memorandum of understanding pertaining to peace” had made major progress and that a broader agreement was nearing completion.

Trump also said he had separately spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and indicated that final details of a potential agreement were still under discussion.

05:44 (IST), May, 24

US-Iran talks advancing, approval pending from Mojtaba Khamenei, says report

An Iran correspondent for Channel 14 reported that negotiations appear to be edging closer to an agreement, though the process is still awaiting final approval from Mojtaba Khamenei, who has reportedly not yet signed off on the deal.

03:53 (IST), May, 24

Hormuz will remain under Iranian control, says Iran's Fars News

The IRGC-linked Fars News Agency reported that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iranian control, dismissing claims by President Donald Trump that reopening the key waterway was part of a draft agreement currently being negotiated.

03:05 (IST), May, 24

Trump reserves right to resume strikes if Iran violates interim deal, says report

US President Donald Trump told aides and regional allies that he reserves the option of resuming military strikes on Iran if Tehran fails to comply with a temporary agreement currently under negotiation, the Wall Street Journal reported.

02:23 (IST), May, 24

'Deal largely negotiated': Trump says 'final aspects' of Iran agreement 'will be announced shortly'

"I am in the Oval Office at the White House where we just had a very good call with President Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of The United Arab Emirates, Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Minister Ali al-Thawadi, of Qatar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, of Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of Türkiye, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, of Egypt, King Abdullah II, of Jordan, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, of Bahrain, concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE. An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed. Separately, I had a call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, which, likewise, went very well. Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly. In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

01:21 (IST), May, 24

'Positive stride is taking shape,' says Iran ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam over US deal

"A few minutes ago, the Honorable Pakistani Minister of Interior, my dear brother HE Mohsin Naqvi, congratulated me on the achievements of the negotiations with the officials of my country after returning from Tehran. With conservative optimism, we can hope that, if the other side is adequately committed, a positive stride is taking shape which is the result of the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran based on dignity, the steadfastness of the courageous armed forces and the resistance of the brave Iranian nation, as well as the initiative and dedicated endeavours of the Pakistani mediator. I hope that the sincere efforts of the esteemed Pakistani government and army, especially H.E. Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Seyed Asim Munir NI(M), HJ, COAS & CDF, for the initiative of mediation, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister H.E. Mohsin Naqvi, for their sincere diplomatic efforts, will lead to lasting peace in the region," he said.

00:49 (IST), May, 24

US response to Iran's revised proposal expected by Sunday, says report

Iran has submitted a revised proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediators aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported, citing two Pakistani sources familiar with the negotiations.

The sources said Washington is expected to respond to the proposal by Sunday.

00:20 (IST), May, 24

US-Iran peace deal could be finalized Sunday, says report

The US and Iran are expected to announce a finalized peace agreement by Sunday afternoon (local time) aimed at ending fighting across all fronts, according to a report by The Washington Times citing a source familiar with the negotiations.

The report said a draft framework was agreed upon early Saturday and forwarded to leaders in both countries for final approval.

According to The Washington Times, senior negotiators — including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — have already signed off on the draft proposal.

23:14 (IST), May, 23

Memorandum of understanding being fine-tuned to end US-Iran war, says Pakistani security official

An “MoU is being fine-tuned” to end the US–Iran war, according to a Pakistani security official briefed on Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran and his meetings with Iranian leaders, as cited by Reuters.

The official said the visit had made “significant progress” towards ending the conflict.

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West Asia entered a highly volatile phase as signs of possible renewed US military action against Iran emerged alongside frantic diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a wider regional war. US President Donald Trump convened his senior national security team amid growing indications that Washington is weighing fresh strikes on Iran if negotiations fail to produce a breakthrough.

Fueling speculation further, the White House shared a short video showing the launch of a nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bomber shortly after reports quoting a Pentagon official claimed that “Iran airspace [has been] completely cleared”, language reminiscent of the final build-up before the March conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

Even as military signalling intensified, regional diplomacy accelerated behind the scenes. Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir travelled to Tehran for late-night talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with both sides discussing ways to “prevent escalation of tensions” and end the ongoing conflict. Qatar also joined mediation efforts by dispatching a delegation to Tehran as negotiations continued under mounting pressure.

However, optimism over diplomacy remained limited. Iranian officials acknowledged that talks were ongoing but stressed that no final agreement had yet been reached. US officials described negotiations as difficult and slow-moving, while reports indicated Trump had become increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and was now more inclined towards military action unless something “unexpected” emerged from the talks.

The escalating tensions have also triggered domestic political debate in the United States. The National Iranian American Council warned the Trump administration against “doubling down on a foolish war”, arguing that most Americans and potentially a majority in Congress favour a diplomatic solution rather than renewed conflict.

Global concerns over the crisis were amplified after a United Nations conference reviewing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty ended without consensus, largely due to deep divisions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme and recent attacks on nuclear facilities.

With military preparations, diplomatic backchanneling and nuclear anxieties unfolding simultaneously, the region now appears caught between the possibility of a fragile diplomatic breakthrough and the risk of a much larger confrontation.

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