U.S. Strikes Iran, Imposes New Sanctions; Tehran Limits Retaliation

U.S. and Iranian negotiators are exchanging drafts of a memorandum of understanding that would extend the current ceasefire by 60 days and open formal talks on Iran's nuclear program. U.S. sources told the White House press pool that a tentative text has been reached but remains subject to President Trump's approval, while Tehran has not yet responded to the latest version.

The Pentagon conducted two defensive strikes on Iranian targets this week after Iranian forces launched drones near the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM reported that all drones were intercepted and that Kuwaiti forces shot down an Iranian ballistic missile aimed at the region.

Iranian state media claimed the U.S. strikes hit empty areas and that Iranian forces detained two commercial vessels attempting to enter the strait without permission.

The Treasury Department imposed new sanctions Thursday on Hong Kong-based firms and eight vessels accused of helping Iran's military-owned petroleum company export oil. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Friday to discuss the indirect talks.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said negotiators have been "going back and forth" and that any deal must meet President Trump's red lines, including the handover of enriched uranium.

President Masoud Pezeshkian told state media that his country does not seek a nuclear weapon but will not accept diplomacy conducted under humiliation. A senior Iranian official visiting Russia said the region would be more stable without U.S. involvement.

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