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US-Iran peace deal

Ghalibaf calls Hormuz 'greatest instrument of power', says no compromise on sovereign rights

  • On Feb 28, US and Israel launched strikes on Iran
  • Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in strikes; Mojtaba succeeded him.
  • A two-week ceasefire began on April 8 and was later extended indefinitely.
  • Pakistan hosted first US-Iran face-to-face talks in 47 years; no breakthrough, but talks continued.
  • US, Iran reach preliminary deal to end conflict, hold talks in Switzerland

South Korea cargo ship Namu to exit Strait of Hormuz after attack in Gulf

South Korea's Oceans Ministry said on Wednesday the cargo vessel Namu, operated by HMM (011200.KS) would exit the Strait of Hormuz in ‌mid-July at the earliest once the damage sustained in an attack in May was repaired.

The bulk carrier's hull was hit near the stern in the attack, which Seoul said on May 27 probably involved an Iranian anti-ship missile, summoning the Iranian ambassador to share the results of its investigation and lodge a protest.

Qatar, Iran deny reports of planned US-Iran talks in Doha

Qatar has confirmed that a US delegation is in Doha but said no direct meeting has been scheduled with Iranian officials, while Iran has also denied reports that formal negotiations with Washington are set to take place.

According to media reports, a spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner are currently in Doha.

However, the spokesperson clarified that the delegation will not hold direct talks with Iranian officials.

Instead, the US delegation is expected to meet Qatari mediators to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran. 

US embassy in Baghdad targeted in drone attack: Reports

Iran's Parliament speaker calls Strait of Hormuz as country's principal strategic asset

Iran's Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called the Strait of Hormuz as the country's principal strategic asset, stressing that the country will not retreat from its sovereign rights over the vital waterway, according to Press TV.

In a televised interview, he explained that the recently signed memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States grants only a temporary waiver on charges for maritime services in the strait. He emphasized that the agreement does not affect or change Iran's long-standing stance regarding its sovereignty over the waterway.

"These are our territorial waters," he said. "We will not allow the United States to create controversy or sophistry by claiming that Iran has militarized the Strait of Hormuz."

He added that Iran "will never, under any circumstances, retreat from this position."

Qalibaf described the waterway as "a divine gift that God granted us during this war" and "our greatest instrument of power."

Oil prices rise as breakdown in Iran-US talks raises supply concerns

Oil prices rose on Wednesday on concerns breakdowns in ‌discussions between Iran and the U.S. for a final agreement to end their war may extend supply disruptions in the key Middle East producing region, Reuters reproted.

Brent futures rose 33 cents, or 0.45%, to $73.28 a barrel at 0339 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude ?climbed 34 cents, or 0.49%, to $69.84 a barrel.

US in strong position regardless of Iran negotiations outcome, Vance says

US Vice President JD Vance said the United States would remain in a strong position regardless of how negotiations with Iran unfold, in a Fox interview aired on Tuesday.

“I actually think that the United States is in a great position however the negotiation ultimately shakes out. If the negotiation is successful, which obviously we want it to be successful, you have an Iran that is permanently transformed,” he said.

Vance added that even if the negotiations fail, saying “the Iranians don’t behave,” Iran’s nuclear programme would be “still destroyed” and its conventional military “still destroyed,” while the United States would remain in a stronger position relative to Iran.
 

Bodies of Khamenei and family members have not been buried

The spokesperson for the funeral committee said on Tuesday the bodies of the Ali Khamenei and his family members have not been buried or laid to rest, and have been preserved under “religious and legal standards.”

“For the first time we announce that the pure body of our martyred Imam and his family members, with full respect and care, have been preserved in accordance with Sharia and legal standards,” Iman Attarzadeh said, adding that the bodies have neither been buried nor formally entrusted elsewhere.

“Rumors circulating on social media that the body of the martyred leader of the revolution was buried at the shrine of Masumeh in Qom are completely false and have no validity,” Attarzadeh posted on X.
 

Qatar says it will continue mediation in US-Iran talks

Qatar says it will continue its mediation efforts in US-Iran talks and support all tracks stemming from the memorandum of understanding between the two countries, according to its foreign ministry.

The remarks were made by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani during a meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, where they discussed developments in the ongoing talks.
 

Ghalibaf says Iran won't enter further talks until MoU terms met

Iranian Parliament Speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran would not enter further negotiations until conditions set out in the memorandum of understanding are met, adding that current meetings were aimed at fulfilling its commitments.

“The announcement of the end of the war by Pakistan’s prime minister and Donald Trump’s tweet about the lifting of the maritime blockade were among the major successes of the memorandum of understanding,” Ghalibaf said.

“In implementing the end of the war, differences will certainly arise,” Ghalibaf added.

“We are following up the process of talks to implement Article 13 of the memorandum of understanding,” he said.

Article 13 says that after the memorandum of understanding is signed, and subject to the start and continuation of measures under paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11, the United States and Iran will begin negotiations on a final deal exclusively on the remaining paragraphs.
 

Iranian deputy foreign minister to hold talks with Qatari officials in Doha tomorrow

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the country's deputy foreign minister will travel to Doha on Wednesday for talks with Qatari officials, focusing on the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and regional developments.

In a statement, the ministry said work is continuing on implementing various provisions of the MoU.

It added that recent progress toward easing the blockade and relaxing restrictions on the sale of Iranian oil has been viewed positively by Tehran.

The ministry said that a final agreement remains contingent on an end to the war in Lebanon, adding that the implementation of Article 13 of the memorandum is considered essential for the success of the negotiations.

According to Iranian officials, establishing an effective ceasefire mechanism in Lebanon is of critical importance to paving the way for lasting peace.

The foreign ministry further said that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and efforts to monitor and manage the situation are being treated with utmost seriousness, with diplomatic initiatives continuing on the issue.

Araghchi calls alleged US attack on Iranian frigate a 'sign of cowardice'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned the alleged US submarine attack on the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, calling it a "sign of cowardice" and a war crime, Al Jazeera reported.

Speaking during a visit to an exhibition displaying belongings recovered from the vessel's crew, Araghchi said the attack took place in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka, where 87 bodies were later recovered following the torpedo strike.

He described the incident as an unlawful act, claiming the frigate was attacked without engaging in military action, carrying weapons, or receiving any prior warning, and said the attack would be remembered as a war crime.