Iran war: US will make Iran ‘thrive’ if it ditches nukes

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, envisions a ‘grand bargain’ with Tehran, aiming to foster Iran’s growth through a nuclear deal, as stated by Vice President JD Vance. This development marks a key moment in ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations. The talks, initially held in Pakistan last weekend, concluded without immediate success, yet Vance expressed optimism about the potential for progress.

International calls for ceasefire in Lebanon

A coalition of ten countries, including Canada, the UK, and others, urged an immediate halt to fighting in Lebanon. Their joint declaration highlighted concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian crisis and rising displacement of civilians. The group also condemned the March killings of three UN peacekeepers, with the UN recently releasing findings attributing the incidents to Israeli tank fire and Hezbollah-planted explosives.

US-Iran diplomacy and lingering mistrust

Vice President JD Vance emphasized that bridging the gap between Iran and the U.S. would require time, stating,

“There is a lot of, of course, mistrust between Iran and the United States of America. You are not going to solve that problem overnight.”

Despite this, Iranian representatives expressed willingness to negotiate. Trump hinted at resuming talks within two days, signaling a renewed push for a comprehensive agreement.

Iranian student’s release and diplomatic ties

Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian student imprisoned in France, returned to Iran after serving four years for promoting anti-Israel content on social media. Her release coincided with Tehran’s decision to free two French nationals held since 2022 on espionage charges. Paris labeled the accusations as unfounded, underscoring the complex diplomatic dynamics at play.

UN’s stance on conflict resolution

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, asserted that a ‘military solution’ to the crisis was unlikely and called for renewed negotiations. He met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister on Tuesday, though details remained scarce. Pakistani leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mediating peace, even as the U.S.-Iran talks ended in stalemate.

Strait of Hormuz tensions

The U.S. military reported no ships traversing its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours. However, BBC Verify’s analysis revealed at least seven vessels crossing the waterway, with four suspected of being linked to Iran. The data suggests a continued flow of maritime traffic despite the blockade.

Lebanon-Israel direct dialogue

Lebanon and Israel took a significant step toward reconciliation by agreeing to direct negotiations. The meeting, mediated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was the first diplomatic contact between the nations in over three decades, signaling a shift in regional alliances.