Morning update
Good morning Middle East Eye readers,
US-Iran diplomacy has entered what may be its most decisive phase yet, with Donald Trump saying he will make a “final determination” on a proposed agreement to end the conflict. Tehran insists no final understanding has been reached and says actions, not promises, will determine whether a deal succeeds.
Meanwhile, fighting in Lebanon continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians, even as diplomatic efforts accelerate.
Here are the latest developments that took place in the past few hours:
Trump says he will make a “final determination” on a deal with Iran to end the war
Iran says negotiations are continuing, but no final agreement has been reached, with key disputes still unresolved
Tehran says actions rather than statements will judge any agreement and insists reciprocal steps are required
The US has lifted its naval blockade of Iran, though Tehran says it is still assessing whether the move is being fully implemented
The US Treasury announces the seizure of $1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency assets and imposes new sanctions on Iranian-linked entities
White House officials say Trump will only accept a deal that meets US red lines, while Iran says it is ready for a “dignified framework” to end the conflict
Tasnim reports that under the proposed framework, the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian authority
Netanyahu says Israeli forces have advanced beyond the Litani River in Lebanon as military operations continue
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon kill at least 11 people, including a paramedic, while Hezbollah claims 22 attacks on Israeli forces
Unicef says 15 children were killed and 62 injured in one week of attacks in Lebanon, describing the toll as “staggering”
Lebanese and Israeli delegations hold military talks in the US as diplomats seek ways to reduce tensions along the border