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Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff are travelling to represent the US
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US envoys are flying into Doha for high-level peace talks amid a renewed spate of strikes, despite claims from Tehran that no such talks have been arranged.
Secretary of state Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to represent the US, a White House official said.
“IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA,” Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.
However, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said no talks between Iran and the US were scheduled in the coming days. He said that an Iranian technical delegation will visit Qatar this week, but it has no relation to US officials visiting the country.
Iran and the US had traded attacks in the Gulf in recent days as each accused the other of violating an interim deal signed less than two weeks ago to end their four-month war.
On Sunday, Iran said its naval and aerospace forces carried out a joint missile and drone operation targeting US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, and warned further violations would receive a “crushing response”.
The head of the European Central Bank defended its June 11 rate increase as justified to ward off real inflationary pressures and said it wasn’t just a mere “insurance hike.”
ECB head Christine Lagarde said Monday that without the quarter percentage-point increase, inflation could have lingered above the bank’s 2 per cent target into 2028.
“Some have characterised our rate increase earlier this month as an ‘insurance hike,’” Lagarde said. “I’m sorry to disappoint them. That is not an accurate description. We faced an outlook of rising headline and core inflation.”
Asian nations hit hard by the Iran war’s price shocks are rushing to diversify and strengthen their energy security, potentially undermining their commitments to curb climate change.
As negotiations on ending the war drag on, countries in energy hungry Southeast Asia are exploring nuclear power and promising renewable rollouts. But they are also investing in coal power to provide a buffer during times of crisis.
The Iran war has not shaken coal’s status as a pillar of Southeast Asia’s energy security, said Sandeep Pai at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability.
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Defence minister Israel Katz has warned that Tel Aviv could find itself at war with Iran “tomorrow” if Tehran launches missiles at Israeli territory.
Katz told reporters that Israel would respond forcefully to any Iranian attack and was prepared to carry out an independent military operation if necessary.
“If Iran fires missiles at Israel, Israel will strike Iran with force,” he said.
“There is no equation we will accept in which Iran fires at Israel,” he said.
Katz said Israeli troops had been instructed to remain on high alert. “The IDF is just waiting for it and is on alert. There are targets,” he added.
Mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz will only be carried out by Iran, the regime has said, casting doubt on a planned UK and French-led mission to make the vital oil supply route safe for shipping.
The country’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said this was in line with the interim ceasefire deal signed with the US as Tehran moved to maintain its grip on the strategic waterway.
His remarks came in response to French President Emmanuel Macron, who said his country would work with Oman “in co-ordination with our partners” to demine the Gulf channel and ensure free passage for vessels.
More here.
Iranian midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi, in a post on Instagram, expressed his gratitude to the people in Mexico for their “respect, love and hospitality” as Iran exited the World Cup last week.
Iran were forced to move their training camp base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. They have also faced logistical challenges travelling to and from the US for their matches.
“The warmth of your heart made us feel that we were not far from home in these difficult days and I will never forget this love,” Ezatolahi wrote.
He added: “In the end, only one thing remains; Iran is our home and the homeland is above all differences and tastes. I hope that the day will come when our people’s share of life will be more than tears, sorrow and regret, but smiles, peace and hope.”
The German foreign ministry in a post on X said the priority was to reach a “sustainable solution that ensures safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz” and address “Iran’s nuclear programme, which must never again pose a threat”.
The statement comes after German foreign minister Johann Wadephul met US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
“The agreement between the US and Iran to halt mutual attacks and continue negotiations is an important step. It creates an opportunity for diplomacy in what remains a highly fragile situation,” the ministry said.
South Korean president Lee Jae-myung has announced that all but two vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz have now exited the waterway.
A total of 26 South Korean-linked ships were in the Strait when Iran closed the chokepoint on 28 February after the US and Israel launched attacks on Tehran.
Two members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard were killed and two others wounded in what the Guard described as a “terrorist” shooting in the western province of Kermanshah last evening.
The attackers opened fire outside the Guard members’ home and authorities were investigating to identify those responsible, state media reported.
Amirhossein Miresmaeili hears from unimpressed protestors within Iran who feel betrayed by Donald Trump’s promises of regime change.
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