Middle East Diplomacy
60 stories related to this topic, newest first.
abcnews.go.comTrump Weighs Final Decision on Proposed Iran Deal
President Trump said Friday he would decide on a potential agreement to extend a ceasefire with Iran. Tehran stated it would judge any deal by U.S. actions rather than words.
Al JazeeraU.S. and Iran Near 60-Day Ceasefire Extension Deal
Washington and Tehran are close to a 60-day memorandum of understanding that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin talks on Iran's nuclear program. The framework remains unsigned and several issues are still unresolved.
jns.orgNetanyahu Holds Talks on Lebanon, Iran Deal Reported
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has additional room to maneuver in Lebanon operations because a U.S. president may seek his support for an Iran agreement. The agreement under discussion would not necessarily remove all enriched uranium or missile capabilities from Iran.
realitytea.comRetired general says Trump factors in Iran leadership thinking
A retired U.S. Army officer stated that President Trump remains a consideration for Iranian leaders. He identified internal divisions in Tehran as the main barrier to reaching a peace agreement.
Financial TimesIranian Hardliners Demand Strict Terms as Nuclear Talks Near
Iranian conservative lawmakers are pressing negotiators to keep maximalist conditions for any agreement with the United States. Reports indicate possible short-term reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief.
middleeasteye.netIran and U.S. Discuss Ceasefire Terms as Strikes Continue
Negotiations between Iran and the United States continue over a potential ceasefire. The proposed framework includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for economic incentives and later talks on Iran's nuclear stockpile.
csmonitor.comMiddle East States Advance U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Framework
A memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran outlines a 60-day halt to hostilities and renewed talks on Iran's nuclear program. Several Gulf and regional states are mediating the effort while new U.S. strikes continue in southern Iran.
deccanchronicle.comU.S. Strikes Iranian Targets Near Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Central Command conducted self-defense strikes on missile sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran on Monday. Iran vowed retaliation and warned regional U.S. allies while negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and broader peace talks continued.
The New YorkerU.S. and Iran Near Memorandum to Extend Ceasefire and Lift Hormuz Blockade
The United States and Iran have reached the final stages of a memorandum of understanding to extend the current ceasefire by 30 to 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The framework would lift some U.S. sanctions and unfreeze Iranian assets in exchange for limits on Iran's nu…
pbs.orgU.S. and Iran near agreement on ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz access
Officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, and Egypt discussed mediation efforts between the U.S. and Iran. The talks focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and consolidating a ceasefire.
middleeasteye.netIranian Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Urges Muslim Unity Against U.S. and Israel
Mojtaba Khamenei issued a Hajj message calling for Muslim unity and repeating the slogans “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” The statement came as U.S.-Iran talks continue over a proposed memorandum of understanding.
citizen.co.zaIran Seeks Release of $24 Billion in Frozen Assets During Qatar Talks
Iranian negotiators in Qatar are pressing for the release of $24 billion in frozen assets as part of any agreement with the United States. The demand comes amid reported progress in talks and recent ceasefire violations involving U.S. strikes on Iranian missile sites.
Washington ExaminerTrump Says Iran's Enriched Uranium Must Be Turned Over or Destroyed
President Trump stated on Monday that Iran's enriched uranium must be handed over to the United States or destroyed in Iran or another acceptable location under Atomic Energy Commission oversight. The demand comes during ongoing U.S.-Iran peace talks that began nearly three month…
The Sydney Morning HeraldU.S. and Iran Advance Talks on Strait of Hormuz and Nuclear Issues
Negotiations between the United States and Iran continue in Doha with progress reported on several topics but no agreement imminent. Iran lifted a nationwide internet blackout after nearly 90 days while reports of strikes on vessels near Bandar Abbas emerged.
The HillTrump Calls for More Nations to Join Abraham Accords in Iran Talks
President Trump urged additional Middle East countries to normalize relations with Israel as part of ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations. The move aims to extend a regional ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
ecns.cnChinese and Pakistani officials meet in Beijing to discuss bilateral ties
Chinese and Pakistani officials held talks in Beijing on Monday focused on economic, trade and security cooperation. The meeting also addressed regional mediation efforts involving the United States and Iran.
pakistantoday.com.pkReported Deal Would Lift Some Iran Sanctions in Exchange for Nuclear Steps
A social media post described a possible agreement under which Iran would gain access to frozen funds, oil-sale relief, and an end to the Lebanon conflict. In return, Iran would promise future limits on its nuclear program.
upi.comSaudi Crown Prince Said Ready to Recognize Israel if King Approves
The Saudi crown prince told an evangelical leader that he would recognize Israel immediately if not for his father's opposition. The statement was made privately during a conversation reported by Jerusalem Post.
al-monitor.comTrump Says Iran Talks Proceeding Nicely, Calls Abraham Accords Mandatory for Regional Deal
President Trump stated Monday that negotiations with Iran are advancing and that several Muslim-majority nations should join the Abraham Accords as part of any agreement. He posted the remarks on Truth Social after speaking with leaders over the weekend.
nbcnews.comU.S. and Iran Near Preliminary Deal on Strait of Hormuz and Nuclear Limits
President Trump stated that an agreement has largely been negotiated between the U.S., Iran and several Middle Eastern countries. Officials said the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and limit Iran's uranium stockpile, subject to final approvals.
U.S. President Links Iran Deal to Abraham Accords Expansion
The U.S. president stated that six Muslim-majority countries must join the Abraham Accords to participate in any Iran agreement. The demand was issued during a Saturday phone call and repeated in a Monday social-media post.
inquisitr.comTrump says Iran deal critics know nothing of potential agreement
President Trump stated on Monday that critics of a potential U.S.-Iran agreement know nothing about the talks. Iranian and U.S. officials described ongoing negotiations over an interim deal that would open the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's enriched uranium stockpile.
Al-MonitorXi Jinping Meets Pakistan's Sharif in Beijing, Praises Ties and Peace Role
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Beijing on May 25, 2026, calling the relationship unbreakable and praising Pakistan's mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.
ibtimes.co.ukTrump Says Any Iran Deal Must Be Great or There Will Be None
President Trump stated on Monday that any agreement with Iran will be great and meaningful or there will be no deal. The comments come days after he said an accord had been largely negotiated to end the nearly three-month war.
Washington ExaminerU.S. Iran Negotiations Slowed by Supreme Leader's Isolation
U.S. officials said Sunday that talks with Iran have been delayed because the supreme leader is operating from an undisclosed location reachable only through couriers. The communication lag has extended response times on draft agreement points.
AxiosTrump Urges Arab and Muslim Leaders to Join Abraham Accords After Iran War
President Trump told leaders of eight Arab and Muslim countries on a Saturday call that he wants peace deals with Israel once an agreement ends the Iran war. He said his envoys would follow up in coming weeks.
![Hezbollah Deputy Leader Urges Lebanese Government to Resign](https://s.france24.com/media/display/24ef8bb0-aa3d-11ee-8d2c-005056bfb2b6/w:1280/p:16x9/m:{"brand":"FRANCE24","lang":"EN","program":"","cartouche":"HAMAS%20DEPUTY%20LEADER%20KILLED","hash":"bd229e19ba7f616ae93fc047aa13243b04fff9e23d79457f49a9efdc541519de","title":"Hezbollah%20vows%20retaliation","id":"25aba80c-45fb-11ec-90e2-005056bf30b7"}/EN_20240103_130228_130642_CS.jpg)
france24.comHezbollah Deputy Leader Urges Lebanese Government to Resign
Naim Qassem said the Lebanese government should step down if it cannot secure sovereignty. He also advised Beirut to halt talks with the United States.
Abc NewsTrump Says U.S.-Iran Deal Largely Negotiated, Strait of Hormuz to Reopen
President Trump announced Saturday that a draft peace agreement with Iran has been largely negotiated after calls with regional leaders. The framework includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the three-month war.
nypost.comIran Agrees to Relinquish Enriched Uranium Stockpile in Deal with U.S.
U.S. officials say Iran has agreed to give up its highly enriched uranium as part of a nuclear agreement with the United States. President Trump announced the deal Saturday and said it would be finalized soon.
nypost.comTrump Says 50/50 Chance of Iran Deal, Will Decide by Sunday
President Trump said Saturday he is weighing a peace agreement with Iran and will decide by May 24 whether to resume strikes. He plans to meet U.S. negotiators and Gulf leaders before making a final call.
middleeasteye.netU.S. and Iran Report Progress Toward Agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington and Tehran are moving closer to a deal. Iranian officials said any agreement must include a ceasefire in Lebanon.
realitytea.comTrump Says U.S. and Iran Are Getting Closer to Nuclear Deal
President Trump told CBS News negotiators are nearing an agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, unfreeze some Iranian assets, and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said additional progress could be announced within days.
thegatewaypundit.comTrump Says He Will Review Latest Iran Draft Agreement With Advisers
President Trump stated he will discuss the latest Iranian draft agreement with advisers and may decide on a response by Sunday. The announcement follows a pause in planned U.S. military action requested by Gulf allies.
Iran Says Talks Will Focus on Ending Regional Conflicts
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that negotiations will prioritize ending conflicts including in Lebanon and will not address nuclear details at this stage. Pakistan’s army chief met Iranian officials in Tehran as part of mediation efforts involving the United States.
jns.orgPakistan and Qatar Send Mediators to Tehran for U.S.-Iran Talks
Pakistani and Qatari delegations met Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday to advance negotiations aimed at extending the ceasefire and reaching a lasting agreement between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump has warned of renewed strikes if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambit…
upi.comRubio Says No Deal Reached With Iran, Calls Hormuz Tolling System Unacceptable
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that negotiations with Iran have not produced an agreement. Rubio also rejected Iranian proposals for a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz.
al-monitor.comUAE Advisor Says 50-50 Chance of U.S.-Iran Deal on Strait of Hormuz
UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash stated there is a 50-50 chance the United States and Iran will reach a deal that reopens the Strait of Hormuz. The assessment comes as mediated talks continue between the two countries.
thehindubusinessline.comIran President Says Tehran Will Not Back Down in U.S. Talks
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran will not back down in negotiations with the United States. Reports of a draft agreement emerged alongside continued U.S. demands on Iran's nuclear program.
rediff.comU.S. and Iran Reach Draft Ceasefire Agreement
The United States and Iran have reached a draft agreement that calls for an immediate ceasefire across all fronts and the gradual lifting of sanctions in exchange for compliance. Pakistani officials are reportedly brokering the deal.
thehindubusinessline.comPakistan Mediates US-Iran Talks
Pakistani officials arrived in Tehran this week to discuss proposals between the United States and Iran. Negotiations continue over uranium enrichment, shipping routes, and regional security issues.
politico.euU.S. Assurances to Israel on Iran Deal Include Uranium Removal
Reports indicate the United States has told Israel that any agreement with Iran would require removal of enriched uranium. Iranian officials have directed negotiators not to accept terms allowing near-weapons-grade material to leave the country.
The IndependentTrump Says Netanyahu Will Do Whatever He Wants on Iran After Phone Call
President Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will follow his lead on Iran after a lengthy phone call. The U.S. paused planned strikes to allow more time for negotiations while Iran reviews the latest American proposal.
theyeshivaworld.comU.S. Threatens to Revoke Palestinian U.N. Delegation Visas Over Vice President Bid
A State Department cable instructs U.S. diplomats to pressure Palestinian officials to withdraw their candidacy for a U.N. General Assembly vice president role. The cable warns that failure to withdraw could result in visa revocation for the Palestinian delegation.
catholicnewsagency.comU.S. President Halts Planned Bombardment of Iran
The U.S. president said he called off a new bombardment of Iran after Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf allies requested more time for diplomacy. The decision follows consultations with regional partners.
rferl.orgIranian General Issues Statement on US Action
Iran’s Major General Ali Abdollahi stated that Iranian forces are more prepared than before and would respond forcefully to any renewed aggression. President Trump said the United States would accept a diplomatic resolution if its Middle Eastern allies are satisfied with the term…
U.S. and Iran Exchange New Peace Offers After Trump Cancels Planned Strikes
President Trump called off planned military strikes on Iran after receiving requests from Middle East allies. The decision followed an exchange of revised peace proposals between the two countries.
New York PostTrump Says Iran Knows What Is Going to Happen Soon After Rejecting Latest Offer
President Trump told The Post he is not open to concessions after receiving an unsatisfactory Iranian response in peace talks. He said Iran wants a deal more than ever because it knows what is going to be happening soon.
nypost.comNetanyahu Publicized UAE Meeting Despite Emirati Denial
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced a March 2026 visit to the United Arab Emirates. The Emirati Foreign Ministry denied the account hours later.
Iran criticizes UAE over relations with Israel
Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei stated that Tehran has not closed the door to friendship with the UAE but warned that Iran's patience has limits. The comments came amid reports of regional tensions and recent strikes involving the UAE.
Washington ExaminerU.S. officials issue statement on Iran peace talks
U.S. officials stated that Iran must reach a peace agreement soon or face retaliation. The warning came hours after a reported drone strike near a UAE power plant.
nbcnews.comU.S. Presents Five Conditions for Potential Iran Nuclear Deal
The United States has outlined five conditions for resuming negotiations with Iran. The conditions address nuclear facilities, enriched uranium transfers, and sanctions relief.
abcnews.go.comIsrael and Lebanon Agree to 45-Day Ceasefire Extension Following Washington Talks
The truce, originally set to expire on May 17, was prolonged following the third round of negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli representatives. Lebanon's delegation welcomed the move as providing breathing space for citizens and advancing a political track. Israeli strikes n…
upi.comLebanese Official Calls for Arab and International Support for Israel Talks in Washington
Nawaf Salam called for Arab and international backing to support Lebanon's negotiations with Israel scheduled to take place in Washington. The statement was reported by @FirstSquawk on May 15, 2026. The talks address issues stemming from the ceasefire agreement between the two si…
Netanyahu Interview Reveals Disclosed UAE Meeting Denied by Emirati Officials
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a one-hour-20-minute interview to CBS's 60 Minutes that was broadcast on Sunday. His office later released a statement saying he had secretly visited the United Arab Emirates on March 26 and met President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
manilatimes.netU.S. Announces 45-Day Extension of Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire
The State Department announced a 45-day extension of the April 16 ceasefire to allow further negotiations toward lasting peace. The U.S. hosted two days of talks between Israel and Lebanon on May 14 and 15, 2026, with additional rounds scheduled in coming weeks. President Donald…
thehindu.comIsraeli Strikes Wound 37 in Southern Lebanon
Israel conducted airstrikes it said targeted Hezbollah infrastructure near Tyre on Friday, wounding at least 37 people including hospital staff, women and children. The strikes occurred as Lebanese and Israeli envoys held a second day of negotiations in Washington aimed at extend…
themarysue.comTrump Posts on Social Media About Discussions With China's Xi
President Trump posted on social media framing his discussions with China's President Xi as validation of his administration’s domestic and foreign policies. The post came as Iran watched the meeting closely amid its own tensions with the United States and Israel. Separately, vio…
Fox NewsTrump and Xi Hold Two Days of Talks in Beijing on Trade, AI and Middle East Issues
U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14, 2026, for more than two hours of discussions at the Great Hall of the People followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven. The two leaders reached agreements on Chinese purchases of U.S. aircraft an…
Al JazeeraIraq Parliament Approves Partial Government of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi
Iraq's parliament on May 14, 2026 approved Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and 14 ministers after months of political deadlock, though it failed to reach consensus on key posts including interior and defence. Zaidi, a 40-year-old businessman with no prior government experience, recei…
citizen.co.zaVance Says US Making Progress in Iran Nuclear Talks
Vice President JD Vance stated that negotiations with Iran continue to advance, days after he consulted with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as well as Arab officials. Vance emphasized that President Donald J. Trump requires confidence that protections will prevent Iran fr…