The US military carried out 'self-defence' strikes in southern Iran, including on missile launch sites and boats placing mines, according to reports from Business Standard. The strikes were conducted 'to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces', but the military was 'using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire', as stated by Capt. Tim Hawkins, US Central Command spokesman. Further details on specific threats from Iran and their implications for ongoing negotiations were not immediately available.
Israeli officials are raising alarm over the emerging US-Iran agreement, arguing it fails to confront Iran's missile programme, regional proxies and long-term strategic ambitions, as reported by Times of India. Netanyahu's government fears the deal could curb Israel's operational freedom in Lebanon and across the Middle East, highlighting growing concerns about the potential impact on regional security dynamics. While Trump officials say negotiations are advancing positively, major sticking points remain over nuclear inspections, uranium controls and Hezbollah's role in any ceasefire framework.
President Donald Trump said on social media that negotiations were 'proceeding nicely' while simultaneously proposing that any Iran deal include requirements for several additional countries to join the Abraham Accords, as reported by Business Standard. Trump pointed to Saudi Arabia and Qatar as countries that should 'immediately' sign on, alongside Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan. He wrote that 'after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together, it should be mandatory that all of these Countries, at a minimum, simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords'. The proposal came as the emerging Iran deal faced criticism from fellow Republicans who favour a harder line on Iran.
The Abraham Accords proposal adds new diplomatic complications to negotiations, as reported by Business Standard. Saudi Arabia has maintained that any normalisation deal requires first establishing a clear path for Palestinian statehood, which is also key for Pakistan, which is among the countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Islamabad-based analyst Syed Mohammad Ali said Pakistan's position on Israel remains unchanged despite Trump's latest proposal. Trump suggested even Iran could eventually sign on to the accords, if an agreement is reached, though it remains unclear when or how any deal with Iran might be completed.
