19:42
Iran agrees to fourth round of nuclear talks with the U.S.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Trump stopped Israeli plan to bomb Iran, opted for talks instead
Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump blocked a proposed Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year, opting instead to pursue direct negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.
The report, citing U.S. officials and others briefed on the matter, said Israel had prepared plans to attack Iranian sites in May. The goal was to delay Iran’s nuclear programme by at least a year. However, the operation required U.S. backing, not only to support Israel’s defence in the face of Iranian retaliation but also to ensure the mission’s success.
Trump, after months of internal debate, ultimately rejected the military option, instead directing his administration to explore a diplomatic track.
That decision paved the way for the first direct talks between the United States and Iran during Trump’s presidency. The two sides met in Oman last Saturday and described the discussions as "positive" and "constructive."
A second round of talks is expected on Saturday, with Rome being considered as the venue, according to a source briefed on the planning.
The Trump administration has since signalled that any deal with Tehran would need to include stringent limits on uranium enrichment and increased international inspections — conditions similar to those in the 2015 nuclear accord, which Trump withdrew from during his first term.
Officials familiar with the discussions said Israel has not formally abandoned its military planning but is now recalibrating its approach following Washington’s shift.
The White House has not commented publicly on the New York Times report.
19:38
Ukraine to host security coalition meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that leaders of the "coalition of the willing" will meet in Kyiv on Saturday, as Europe weighs its long-term security role in Ukraine's future.
19:32
Ukraine sanctions Chinese and Iranian firms over alleged support for Russia
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on one Chinese firm and three Iranian companies, as outlined in a presidential decree issued Friday.
19:02
Switzerland, U.S. to advance trade talks, Swiss president says
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said Switzerland and the U.S. have agreed to accelarate trade talks.
17:58
EU-Ukraine
European ministers sign Lviv statement backing special tribunal and ceasefire efforts
European foreign ministers signed the Lviv Statement supporting a special tribunal and a U.S.-backed ceasefire, during a visit to Ukraine that included a memorial tribute to fallen soldiers.
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