US-Iran ceasefire deal awaits Trump's final call
White House sources have confirmed that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to extend the ceasefire for 60 days, allowing time for formal negotiations. However, US President Donald Trump has yet to give his approval, according to Al Jazeera.
Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing a source close to the negotiating team, said the text of the MoU had not yet been finalised or confirmed, and that the public would be notified once that occurred.
Iran's foreign minister defends talks and self-defence
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said no progress has been made in talks with the United States, though channels of communication remain open. He also defended Iran's attacks on US allies in the Gulf region as "self-defence." Araghchi was quoted as saying, "What sanctions and war failed to achieve won't be won with more war." His remarks came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Lebanon reports mounting casualties
Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that 3,516 people have been killed by Israeli attacks on the country since March. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has condemned what he described as a scorched-earth policy, saying the Israeli military onslaught is targeting a peaceful people. The reports come as Israel's military operation in Lebanon has expanded, drawing criticism from the international community.
CENTCOM confirms strikes on Iran
The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said attacks have been launched "against multiple targets in Iran," calling the strikes "self-defense" and in response to "Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression." Iranian media reported explosions in several locations, including the port city of Bandar Abbas.
Diplomatic efforts and regional tensions
France has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, according to reports, as concerns grow over the escalating conflict in the region. Meanwhile, Israel's military operations have expanded into Lebanon, drawing criticism from world leaders.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the Israeli onslaught as a violation of international law, urging the international community to stop what he called a campaign against his country's people and infrastructure. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that 3,516 people have been killed by Israeli attacks since March.
Details of the proposed deal
Under the memorandum of understanding reportedly reached by negotiators, the US would release $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds, and the Treasury Department has announced a temporary easing of sanctions to allow the sale of Iranian oil until August 1. The moves follow Iran's commitment to allow international nuclear inspections, according to a US statement.
However, the text of the MoU has not been finalised or confirmed, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, which cited a source close to the negotiating team. The source said the public would be notified once the text was confirmed.
Iran's top negotiator has said an agreement has been reached with the US to release the frozen funds. A former Iranian negotiator described the potential deal as a 'golden opportunity' to end decades of hostility between the two countries.
Israel's expanding offensive
Meanwhile, Israel's military operations in Lebanon have expanded, with the country's health ministry reporting 3,516 people killed by Israeli attacks since March. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned of the escalating situation, as global calls for restraint grow.
France has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the situation.
US strikes on Iran
CENTCOM said attacks were launched against multiple targets in Iran, describing them as acts of self-defence. Iranian officials condemned the strikes as "unwarranted aggression," and Tehran has ordered the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, a move that threatens global oil supplies.
Diplomacy continues amid hostilities
Despite ongoing military confrontations, diplomatic channels remain open. Iran's Foreign Minister said no progress had been made in talks, but noted that communication lines were still active. The semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing a source close to the negotiating team, said the text of the MoU had not yet been finalised, indicating that negotiations are still in flux.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely whether President Trump will approve the agreement and whether the ceasefire can hold long enough for formal negotiations to take place.