US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

In a move to address pressing concerns over the safety of its vessels and citizens in the Middle East, South Korea has designated a new special envoy to Iran, the Yonhap News Agency revealed. Former Kuwait ambassador Chung Byung-ha has been tapped for the role, which involves facilitating the secure transit of South Korean ships and individuals through the region amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran. This development comes on the heels of a phone call between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghachi, which took place on Thursday.

Further information on the upcoming talks between the United States and Iran can be accessed via the provided link.

The initial proposal for direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel emerged roughly a week into the conflict, marking a pivotal moment in the longstanding state of war between the two nations. When Lebanese politicians first floated the idea, Israel dismissed it outright, indicating a lack of willingness to engage in dialogue at that time. However, Israel’s stance has seemingly shifted, with the country now appearing more receptive to the prospect of direct talks. In response, Lebanon’s government remains resolute, with President Joseph Aoun emphasizing that any negotiations must be contingent upon an immediate ceasefire. Amidst this backdrop of potential negotiations, Hezbollah’s stance as a key player in the conflict remains a crucial factor. The militant group has expressed its reluctance to engage in direct talks with Israel, stipulating that a ceasefire must precede any such discussions.

In a recent conversation with Al Jazeera, Jeremy Scahill from The Intercept’s subsidiary, The Intercept’s Drop Site News, shed light on the implications of the temporary halt in hostilities between the US and Iran. According to Scahill, Iran has deliberately avoided characterizing the pause in fighting as a “ceasefire”, and has simultaneously cautioned that its military readiness remains at a heightened state.

According to Abas Aslani, a senior researcher at the Iran-based Center for Middle East Strategic Studies, the trajectory of the conflict has undergone a significant shift. Initially, the situation was characterized as a desperate struggle for survival for Tehran, but it has now evolved into a more promising landscape of strategic opportunities.

Aslani, speaking to Al Jazeera from Tehran, attributed this transformation to a new status quo emerging in the region, particularly with regards to the Strait of Hormuz. He suggested that Iran is eager to capitalize on this development, recognizing the potential benefits that come with it.

However, Aslani also highlighted a pressing concern for Iran: a deep-seated trust deficit. This issue is set to be a major point of contention as Iran and the United States prepare to engage in mediated talks in Pakistan this weekend. Aslani pointed out that the United States’ actions, including Israel’s alleged breach of negotiation terms and the U.S. insistence that Iran cannot engage in enrichment, have contributed to this trust deficit.

Oil prices surged in early Asian markets as investors kept a watchful eye on the Strait of Hormuz, where restricted shipping flows persisted amidst a fragile Iran-US ceasefire, now being tested by ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon. As of 01:00 GMT on Friday, Brent crude oil futures had climbed 0.87 percent to $96.75 per barrel, with US oil futures also seeing a gain of over 1 percent.

US President Donald Trump had earlier criticized Iran for its handling of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the country of failing to facilitate smooth passage for ships through the critical waterway and warning against any attempts to charge vessels for transit. Meanwhile, the aftermath of recent attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure continues to have a lasting impact, with the kingdom’s output reduced by approximately 600,000 barrels per day and East-West Pipeline throughput down by 700,000 bpd, according to a report from the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

While a select group of nine nations is thought to possess nuclear arms, numerous other countries leverage nuclear technology for non-military objectives such as power generation, medical applications, and scientific research.
The question remains: who holds the authority to grant or deny access to nuclear capabilities, and why does Iran face restrictions on its nuclear programme? Al Jazeera’s Yasmeen Eltahan provides insight.

Israel’s stance on Hezbollah remains resolute, defying mounting pressure from various quarters, including a direct appeal from US President Donald Trump.
The Israeli government continues to assert that Hezbollah’s involvement in the agreement between Iran and the US is not a factor in its military operations against the militant group. In fact, Hezbollah is viewed as a domestic threat, rivaling Iran’s threat to Israel’s national security.
For many Israelis, particularly those living in the north, Hezbollah poses a more imminent danger due to its proximity. This sentiment is compounded by a perceived sense of coercion, with the US and President Trump being the primary drivers of pressure to engage in ceasefire talks.
The significance of the Iran-US agreement is well-documented, with far-reaching implications for global trade and the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Phone conversations between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have been reported, with a notable call on Wednesday where Trump allegedly urged Netanyahu to scale back Israel’s military actions, a directive that was later confirmed by US media.

In the aftermath of a significant breakthrough in the Iran-US conflict, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarked on a high-profile tour of the Gulf region. During his visit, Starmer held a meeting with United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reaffirming the UK’s support for the UAE in the face of Iranian aggression. According to a statement from Downing Street, the leaders concurred on the necessity of fully restoring access to the Strait of Hormuz and committed to bolstering bilateral relations between the UK and the UAE. Starmer’s itinerary also included stops in Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

In a scathing rebuke, Rabbi Younes Hamami Lalehzar, a prominent Iranian Jewish leader, lambasted Israel following a devastating US-Israeli bombing campaign that reduced a centuries-old synagogue in Tehran to rubble during the sacred week of Passover. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, has left many in the Iranian Jewish community reeling.

Rabbi Lalezar’s harsh words were directed squarely at the Israeli government, which he accused of perpetuating a deceitful narrative about defending Jewish interests. “The notion that Israel’s actions are motivated by a desire to protect Jews is a gross fabrication,” he declared, his statement a stark indictment of the Israeli regime’s claims.

Iran’s Jewish population, the second-largest in the Middle East after Israel, has long been a source of pride for the country, with a rich cultural heritage and history that spans centuries.